What to Watch Next: Netflix Documentaries

I swear I didn't used to be all into documentaries--I thought they were for nerds or my dad. Recently, since I got Netflix, I've been obsessed. I wrote about a few that I watched here, but I'm back on a documentary kick and I want to share with y'all what I'm watching!

Fed Up: 

 

PUT THIS ON YOUR WATCH LIST NOW. I originally saw this documentary floating around on Netflix and added to "My List" for later. After reading Jessica's, from Wifesticated, post on it, I knew I had to watch it. 

The gist of this documentary is two fold: the amount of sugar in processed foods is unbelievable and the major food cooperations: Coke, Pepsi, etc are fighting to keep it that way. Newsflash people: foods that boast LOW CALORIE, LOW FAT, REDUCED FAT, etc are making you fatter not because of the amount of calories or fat--check the amount of sugar. It makes me livid and frustrated. There shouldn't be 34 grams of sugar in a Powerade, a drink that is "supposed" to help you recover after you workout. 

Watch it for yourself and I promise you'll look at food differently. Currently, I want to only shop local farmer's markets and the whole foods aisle at the grocery store and throw everything away in my kitchen to start fresh. This is becoming a once a week occurrence, I know, but I'm trying my best to change my relationship with food.

 

Brain Games:

This is actually a series that takes you illusion by illusion into what is really going on in your brain. In a fun, non boring science way, that is. Prepare to have your mind blown on so many different levels. Apparently, color is all in our head. Chew on that one.

Also, not really a documentary, but one of my favorite shows to come home and watch after school, Bill Nye the Science Guy. Is now on Netflix. I repeat BILL NYE y'all.

In vs. Out

This week went by so fast! With vacation on Monday and Tuesday (that went WAY too fast) and back to work Wednesday through Friday--the short week was everything. I think I'm spoiled now. Can vacation be a long weekend every weekend?

Here's what's in and out this week:

IN:

Three day work weeks

Skorts--doesn't that bring you back to when you were eight?! I bought a Lilly one over vacation and it's so cute, I can't wait to wear it!

Mary Kay Andrews (aka my favorite author) has a new book out! Naturally, I'm almost done reading it. If you're looking for a good beach book, look no further!

OUT:

Vacation being over

Laundry/Cleaning/Dishes--I'm so behind on all of it--I would seriously pay someone to come hang out with me and help me clean.

Meal prepping--I gained too much weight over my "mini" vacation and now I have to get back on track. This is only "out" because I don't really know what I'm going to fix, nor would I classify myself as a cook.

Sunburns--my chin has started peeling and I look like I have a weird sort of beard

And, here's what you may have missed on Because I Said So this week:

I got the worst sunburn ever while on vacation this Memorial Day weekend (click the links to read all about it)

(P.S. Still getting over the weekend--I promise you'll see more from me next week!)





Memorial Day Weekend Recap

I'm sad to say that my mini vacation is over and it's back to the real world today. It's so hard to leave the beach to go back to work. On the plus side, I get a three day week! Here's a recap of my "extended" weekend:

Friday: We had SO much fun at the Taylor Swift concert! If you follow me on Snapchat (aellzey), you probably saw/heard most of the concert + me singing completely off key (oops) THE BEST time ever! The only not so great thing was waiting in traffic to leave. We didn't get home until 2:30 AM!

Saturday: Bridal Tea Party for my friend Rebecca--how cute is that idea! We wore big hats and had our own teapots. I don't actually like tea, but I did give it a try. P.S. I still don't like tea lol

Saturday Afternoon/Night: Beach bound! It was THE LONGEST drive ever. Thankfully I had my little sister with me--she was meeting her friend which was on the way to where I was going. I think I finally made it the beach around midnight.

Sunday: Beach Day--also the day I didn't put any sunscreen on--getting burned beyond belief. 

Monday: Happy Memorial Day. You know, I did not see one firework along the beach? Crazy. We went bowling and roller skating that night and even though I can't beat Josh at bowling, I'm a WAY better roller skater than he is! #winning

Tuesday: The last day at the beach for me. We rented scooters and drove all around PCB, got caught in the rain, and got ice cream cones. Best day ever, if you ask me!

How's that for a whirlwind of a long weekend?!

How To Survive a Sunburn

Isn't the beach so gorgeous?! In recent experience, it's gorgeous until it's not--until it burns you that is. I've heard wear sunscreen probably a million times, but sometimes you just forget or miss spots (a combo this memorial day weekend).

So here's how to prevent it:

Wear a hat AND sunglasses. The bigger the hat, the closer to God the less chance of burning your face. This is one I did well--my face didn't burn!

Sunscreen with a higher SPF than 5 and REAPPLY, REAPPLY, REAPPLY!

Don't make it a marathon session. For me, that means not going out from 10AM-2PM (or at least staying out there that entire time)

I missed the whole wear lots of sunscreen and reapply deal and therefore am burned to a crisp and really splotchy. Not fun.

Here's how to cope if you do in fact get burned:

ALOE. I like to store mine in the refrigerator so it's nice and cold when I put it on.

Wear "soft clothes"--I'm burned where my bathing suit stopped---meaning every time I move, my sunburn gets irritated. In order to combat this, I've resorted to wearing cami type bras, big t-shirts and Nike shorts.

Lavender. This oil comes up A LOT, but I hear it's great for burns. I pinned a few recipes to make an "after the beach spray" and will be getting on this, as soon as I get back. (so mad I forgot it)

Avoid the sun, but if you must go out (hey, it's the beach) COVER UP with sunscreen and clothes!


Happy Beachin'

In vs. Out Volume 8

Another Friday! I seriously live for Fridays, but especially this one! WE ARE GOING TO SEE TAYLOR SWIFT LIVE TONIGHT! This is not a drill. For the entire SIX years Josh and I have been dating, Taylor Swift has been in every. single. one of them. It's been on our  "list" to go to one of her concerts and it's finally happening! Thank you mom and dad Santa!

Fun fact: Our couple song (do people still do that? We picked it in high school, so we were just babies) is "Love Song" by Taylor Swift. Another fun fact: Although "our song" was LOVE story, we didn't tell each other that we LOVED each other until we had been dating for two years and were well into our college years.

All of that being said, here's what's in and out this week!

IN:

Taylor Swift--who didn't see that one coming! Here's hoping the rain stays away!

Beach Trips

Smoothies--I've had one for breakfast like everyday this week

Boxing--I finally got my own legit boxing gloves #badass Yesterday was the hardest kickboxing class I've taken, but naturally, having my own gloves made it doable.

Half days/Long Weekends

OUT:

Driving in a lightning storm

Straightening your hair without a brush or comb

Not having any Instagram pictures to post during the week--sorry I'm boring!

------

Here's what you might have missed on Because I Said So this week:

How to still do "date night" even if you're on a tight budget

What I'm reading--PS The Royal We is soo good so far!

Get to know a little bit more about me in: My life in fours


HAVE A GREAT MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND!

Party of Fours

It's Friday eve! I don't know about you, but this week has taken copious amounts of caffeine just to make it through. With that being said, a real meaningful blog post was just not in the books for today. I barely got up when my five alarms went off this morning.

 

 

The good news is that tomorrow is a half day and I don't come back to work until Wednesday--hello mini vacation!

P.S. Originally the title was "party of four", but I felt like that made it sound like I was expecting twins or something, which I'm sooo not--expecting anything for that matter. Although, another puppy would be nice.

 

Four Nicknames

1. Big Al--given to me in my (very embarrassing) softball days. I was the smallest one on the field and all I did was pick flowers and do cartwheels. People at work call me Big Al on the reg and my family still calls me that to this day.

 

2. Little Bit--Coined by the people at work yet again

 

3. Little One--The youngest and smallest one at work will get you this nickname

 

4. Allie--Not a lot of people call me this, but I still get it every once in a while.

Four things in my bag 

1. My planner--I'm basically lost without it

 

2. Receipts--I could be classified as a hoarder

 

3. Toothbrush/toothpaste--hello I have braces!

 

4. Two pairs of sunglasses--always have to be prepared just in case one comes out broken

*I will be prepared the next time I play the "what's in your purse?" game*

Four movies I've watched more than once

I'd just like to point out that I watch a million movies more than once, but these are my faves.

 

1. The Wedding Date--I think this is the first movie I watched with my mom where I saw a naked butt!

 

2. Pitch Perfect--I honestly think the first one was better than the second one. I still enjoyed it, but the first one will forever be a classic.

 

3. How to Train Your Dragon--Toothless reminds me of Laney (my dog) I'm not sure why, but they are both black pets that become part of the family and are goofy.

4. Date Night--I could watch this over and over and never get tired. Maybe that's a lie, but probably

not. I quote this movie in everyday life #sorrynotsorry

Four favorite drinks

1. Water--always with lemon, never without

2. Iced Caramel Macchiato

 

3. Red Bull--sometimes coffee isn't strong enough

 

4. Margaritas--need I say more!?

Four Places I've traveled

Maybe I should rename this, four of the most exciting places I've traveled

 

1. Pittsburgh--Josh and I have gone every year for the past three years, so it's become a tradition

 

2. NYC--so thankful I took that trip in high school

 

3.Vegas--been there got (a few) Tshirts. I'm good for a while.

 

4. Avery Island--If you're ever in South LA take a trip. The most beautiful gardens and swamps. Just don't try the Tabasco Ice Cream. SO GROSS!

Four favorite songs (currently)

1. Honey, I'm good by Andy Grammar

 

2. Anything by Taylor Swift duh

 

3. Worth It by Fifth Harmony

 

4. Shut up and Dance by Walk the Moon

Four Favorite Blog Posts

1. Date Night on a Budget
 

2. Tulle'n around Town

3. Sippin' Pretty

4. The Wedding File

Four Things I'm Excited for This Year

1. Rebecca's Wedding--hello MOH status

2. Vacations--with Josh's family and mine and then me and Josh take one (that's not Pittsburgh) SO MUCH traveling to do!

3. Pittsburgh--we go every year!

4. My birthday duh--I will always and forever be excited about my birthday no matter how old I get!

Have a great "almost Friday"!

What I'm Reading

I've turned into quite the little bookworm, lately. Usually, I like prefer a physical book in my hands, but lately I've been all about the E-books. Mostly because I had to have the book right then and there. I usually gravitate towards girly books (princesses, weddings, rom-coms), but lately I've picked up action-y type books (mixed with the girly essence of course).

 

 

 

 

1. Rook + Chaser by Ken Nobles. This series is actually written by my former AP English teacher in high school--how cool is that?! They are so great too. If you like action/fairytale type books these are for you. He's currently writing the third book in the series and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't excited about it! You can buy the first book, Rook, in paperback, but the second is only available in E-book form.

 

 

2. Rebel Belle + Miss Mayhem by Rachel Hawkins. Another series. My little sister read "Rebel Belle" first and then told me I HAD TO read it. It wasn't difficult to start reading, but was very difficult to put down--hence the immediate buy of the sequel via my iPhone! Spoiler Alert: I really hope there is a third book because I did NOT like how the second book ended!

 

 

3. Palace of Mirrors by Margaret Peterson Haddix. I remember reading her books in high school (Among the Hidden, Just Ella, etc.) This book is again in a series (anyone seeing a trend) and the book before this one picks up where Just Ella left off. Princesses, danger, I'm such a dork, but I love it!

 

 

4. The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan. I just bought this one and have every intention of finishing it before I go on vacation (so I can buy more books of course). It comes highly recommended by Carly from TCP, so basically I know I'll love it.

 

 

What are you reading? What books should I pick up for the beach this weekend?

 

 

Date Night on a Budget

With Josh still on the job hunt (crossing my fingers for a call soon!), we have to be conscious of how much we spend--constantly. That means saving most of the money that comes in and eating out less. It's very difficult, but can be done. 

 

The good news: You can still have a great time together without spending a ton of money! After all, it's all about the quality time.

1. Driving Range.

I'm not a huge golf fan--I'm terrible at goofy golf and consistently take 9+ strokes on a par 3, but Josh loves it. He has his own set of clubs, golf gloves, and goes golfing frequently. Recently, he took me to a driving range where all you do is practice hitting the ball. $10.00 for 100 balls. You go at your own pace and it can take an hour if you're pretty terrible like me--I ended up hitting clumps of grass more than I hit the actual ball, but I think I'm getting better?

2.Netflix/Redbox.

It's a rare treat to actually GO to the movies these days, but that's ok. I much prefer to relax in my PJs and be able to pause the movie to get more wine. Enter Redbox and/or Netflix where there is always something on! If the movie theater is more your scene, there are always matinees--the whole movie experience for not all of the money.

3. Go to the Park.

This is especially useful for doubling as exercise and it's perfect if you have a fur child (or a human one). I dub them "family walks." It's so fun to take a walk around the block or park and chat about anything and everything.

 

4. Community/High School Theater + Concerts.

Josh isn't much into the performing arts, but I am. Our community constantly has high schools putting on musicals and choirs performing. The last one I went to was like $10 to get in--what a steal! And if you're willing to splurge every once in a while, concerts (like Taylor Swift) pop up every once in a while!

 

5. Festivals.

Tis the season for outdoor festivals that are mostly free to the public. The bigger ones like JazzFest will cost you upwards of $80 per person. But the smaller, arts, heritage, food festivals only cost what you are willing to spend on the goods. Walking around and taking in the sights, smells, and sounds is FREE!

6. Order take out and have a fiesta at home. Instead of going out to eat, try making your favorite foods. Not the cook? Me either. Order take out and pop in that Redbox movie you rented earlier. Papa John's has great deals ALWAYS and ordering salsa and queso from your favorite Mexican restaurant will only cost you around $5.00 (Plus, they give you TONS of chips).

Do you have any other suggestions to add to my list?

Doggy on a Diet

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post.  We (Laney and I) received Hill's Ideal Balance Crafted Shredded Beef Stew  to review as part of Chewy.com's blogger review program.  Since Laney has yet to learn how to write, I am reviewing on her behalf. As always, all opinions and pictures are my own! (oh and Laney's) See Laney's other post here and here!

It's been really hard trying to feed to Laney healthy, all natural food. She'll literally eat anything--even the bad stuff (puffy cheetos, cat food, horse poop). After her vet appointment last month, we learned that she lost THREE POUNDS over the course of the year, but still has weight to lose. 

We currently feed her an all natural dry dog food that has no soy, corn, or wheat. I think THIS diet change contributed to her losing weight (regardless of the occasional puffy cheeto). Recently, though, we changed the flavor and I'm not quite sure she likes it--it smells like turtle food. 

Enter Hill's Ideal Balance Crafted Shredded Beef Stew Canned Dog Food from Chewy.com. It has no corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or colors. 

This canned food aligns with the current diet she is used to, but in a more decadent form. Hello, it has gravy--any dog's weakness. Before I even poured the food into her bowl, she could barely contain her excitement.

I was excited to see that there were whole vegetables in the food: complete with carrots, peas, and potatoes--real beef stew! 

Needless to say, she loves this stuff. The bowl was licked clean in a minute flat.  It's almost like it's a treat that she doesn't realize is her healthy dinner. 

I'll definitely be mixing this with her dry food--making the dry food and canned food stretch a little longer and so she'll like the "turtle food smelling" dry food better.

P.S. Chewy.com is less expensive than the average pet store (PetSmart) and offers most of the same brands you can find in stores. You can set your order up for autoship, saving 20% in the process AND Chewy.com always offers FREE SHIPPING on orders over $49.00! What's not to love?

Do you feed your fur child "healthy" food? 

In vs. Out Volume 7

Thank y'all for all of the kind words and encouragement yesterday--it's things like that, that make blogging worth it!

IN:

  

Black-light Hip Hop--I promise it's as fun as it sounds. Think club minus the alcohol and add the fact that your working out but it doesn't feel like it #twerk

Fridays--hello this will never NOT be in!

Nights spent with the boyfriend--last Sunday Josh played in a football league game and last night he played basketball--talk about bringing me back to the high school/college days! Less sleep is totally worth the quality time :)

 The "off-the-shoulder" trend. Seriously need to get me a shirt or dress or both!

Pitch Perfect 2 comes out this weekend and we have tickets to see the show! Brb brushing up on my a cappella skills...

Also in: new jewelry, nice sales girls at boutiques, following other bloggers on Snapchat (aellzey), and being busy.

OUT:



Weekdays (aka Monday-Thursday). Boo!

My baby sister graduating 8th grade. NOPE. Not allowed.

Getting my braces tightened and not being able to eat anything--at least its a jumpstart to the diet I'm supposed to be on?

Also out: being so sore from working out that you can't move the next day, phone chargers dying, and being lazy.

What you missed this week on Because I Said So:

This GORGEOUS tulle skirt!

My nighttime routine.

I celebrated TWO years of blogging yesterday!


Happy FRI-YAY and happy weekending!

Because I Said So Turns TWO!

Today is the two year blogiversary of Because I Said So! I still can't believe it's been that long. 

When I started this blogging journey, I literally had no idea what I was doing (evidence from my first post--y'all it's embarrassing) The only blog I read was The College Prepster (still my blogging idol) and I knew nothing about coding or photography. I still don't really, but I did fix something on my blog yesterday, coding wise, and I didn't break the blog! (the Instagram icon NOW actually links to my Instagram--you're welcome)

Most of my posts for the first year were personal diary-like. I didn't really have a vision or a specific direction for this blog. 

In the last year, I've started to get more serious about making Because I Said So the best I can. Before, while I've always had a knack for writing, my only readers were my family members. I now attract more readers than I ever even imagined and that number is growing every month! It's truly flattering and humbling to know that people actually care what I have to say.

I'm so thankful to each and every one of you who reads, comments, and comes back to read more of my posts everyday.

Here's a little bit more of what you can expect from this blog this year (a purpose/mission statement/goal statement mash up if you will):

CREATE

Fresh new content that engages and facilitates discussion--while also inspiring

CONNECT

With y'all daily (through social media)

MOTIVATE

Y'all to be your best self--whatever that may be

TEACH

Life lessons that I've experienced and/or learned the hard way

Here's to making this next year the best yet!

My Nighttime Routine

My 9-5 really wears me out--it's almost pathetic to admit, but sitting at a desk for eight hours zaps my energy and enthusiasm. That's why I really look forward to 5PM. I've gotten in to a sort of routine these past few weeks that really adds life to my otherwise mundane work schedule.

Night Time Routine:

I just started a bootcamp, so four days out of the week, you can find me squatting, lifting tires, and kickboxing for two hours after work. Sounds grueling (and it is), but while I'm there, I don't think of anything else and that really helps with my stress/anxiety.

Next it's a quick, healthy dinner. I'm still hoping to lose those last few pounds, so I've been eating pre-portioned meals--next week, I'm going to try to make them on my own. Let me say, it's super hard to eat dinner around Josh, who is trying to GAIN weight and eating things like pizza, fried chicken, and all of the foods I can't have.

My favorite part of the night is when I get to sink into a bubble bath and read a good book. I've been on a roll lately--I've literally read three books in the past week!

Lavender essential oil--a lifesaver. I start diffusing it the minute I step into the bath or shower. By the time I get out of the bath, my room smells heavenly and makes me relax and gradually get sleepier and sleepier. For me, it works like Zzquil, but without the hangover feeling in the morning! Also, if I don't get 7-8 hours of sleep a night, I can't function the next day!

I do most of my blogging at night (the night before a post goes live--horrible habit--note to self: schedule in advance). I try to write a few post before falling asleep--sometimes it doesn't work out that way, but I do the best I can!

What are your favorite night time rituals?

The information, advice, statements, and testimonials made about the essential oils, blends, and products mentioned on this web site have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  Any suggestions made on this site are very specific to Young Living essential oils and should not be used with oils from another source. Information presented is for learning purposes only.  The information on this site and the products listed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease, nor are they intended to replace proper medical help. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any regimen with essential oils or making any changes to a medical routine.  If you are currently on medication, please do not stop. Testimonials are based on individual results and do not constitute a guarantee that you will achieve the same results. What works for one may not work for another.

Tulle'n around Town



I hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day weekend! Mine was crazy busy which isn't always a bad thing. Saturday was spent touring all around the town that my mom and dad grew up in (and where my grandma still lives) and taking blog picture of course which is how I know I have the best mom and family around!

 

 

I finally got the tulle skirt I've been wanting--and what a way to say hello! spring/summer! I finally found the "one" (at the right price) and went for it. 

 

It makes me feel like a ballerina princess and I could twirl around for hours! If you don't have one, you really should consider--I can't wait to wear mine everywhere (I wonder if they would make fun of me if I wore it to work)!

 

 

Twirl Around Tulle Skirt (ivory) | Chambray Shirt (Similar here + here) | Graphic Tee (similar here) | Wedges (Similar here) | Bracelets (here + Catherine Popesco) | Knot Necklace--borrowed from sister (I like this one too) 

 

In vs. Out Volume 6

Well y'all, we made it to another weekend! YAY! Here's to lots of sun and time with the family (don't forget your mom this weekend)!

IN:

Mothers! In case you missed it, Mother's Day is this Sunday! So give your momma a call and tell her you love her.

Succulents. I've been seeing them all over Pinterest and have been pinning some of my favorites for the garden/free counter space I don't have.

Bootcamp. I started FitCamp this week and couldn't be happier or sore-er. My favorite classes so far: Party Step and Boxing #badass. I haven't been to all of the classes yet, but from the ones I've taken, I'm going to love it.

Margaritas + Pool Parties. Hello it's summer, that should be a no brainer.

Also in: surprise weekday visits from the boyfriend, blog posts for next week planned, snail mail, getting packages, and fresh flowers.

OUT:

Grumpy drivers that cut you off, realizing that I graduated college two years ago, bad sushi, going out to eat when you're on a diet.

Have an ah-mazing weekend and Happy Mother's Day to all of the mommas out there!

Blogging Bloopers

According to the results (so far) of my blog survey, most people want to see more "fashion" posts. Well, I'm here to tell you that putting together a cohesive, amazing looking post isn't all that easy, but I'm up for the challenge.

I'm the most awkward person (more so since I got my braces) in front of the camera and I have proof--ask Carol, she's my photographer. I haven't always been able to laugh at myself, but with these pictures it's kind of hard not to!

So, here's a little glimpse behind the scenes at some bloopers from some of my favorite posts. Enjoy!

When your hats are too big to take pictures next to each other.

Getting the perfect shot while simultaneously getting the perfect shot.

It was so bright out by the pool and I have sensitive eyes, y'all.

RBF for the win.

When you have an itch in the middle of bath time.

I wish I could say I knew what was happening in this one.

Sippin' Pretty

Happy Cinco de Mayo! I have work today and tomorrow meaning no tequila for this girl. Luckily, I was able to get my fiesta fill this weekend and put together some yummy, super simple margarita recipes (with ingredients MOST people can find in their fridge).  

If you're like me and will only be celebrating at home with minimal tequila and extra chips and salsa (don't forget the guac), don't worry--these recipes can be used for any fiesta or pool party you throw this summer! 

Blackberry Lime Margarita

Fresh Blackberries

Tequila

Sea Salt

Honey

Lime

Blend the lime juice, fresh blackberries, tequila, and honey until smooth. Pour into a glass with your choice of salt or sugar around the rim (I love salt). And y'all the honey really adds a different kick to it and I'm obsessed.

Classic Margarita

 Lime

Tequila

Honey
Sea Salt

Pro Tip: Go easy on the tequila. You can always add more. In hindsight, I would have added way more lime to mine! For this recipe you don't actually need to blend anything--although I did add all to my shaker and gave it a few shakes to mix it up. 





Mango Margarita

Mango (frozen)

Tequila

Honey

Sea Salt

This recipe was a little trickier -- only because the mango bits were harder to blend (allow to thaw)  I added a bit of water to the mixture to make it easier to pour. I like most of my margaritas on the rocks, but if you are more of a frozen kind of girl you can easily leave it slushy (and for all of the other recipes, add ice to the blender!)



Strawberry Margarita

Fresh Strawberries

Tequila

Sea Salt

Lime (optional)

Honey



Probably one of most favorite ones--I love fresh strawberries! I squeezed a little bit of lime juice in this one, but like I mentioned earlier, you can always add more or less to taste!

Don't forget the tequila shots! 

By the way, is Cinco de Mayo ever on a weekend? I mean come on--Mother's Day is ALWAYS on a Sunday. Don't worry, the next one (on a Friday) is May 2017.  I checked. Until then, I'll wait to fiesta on the weekends!