What I ate: January 31st 2016 + Weekly Weigh In

Hey everyone,

It's Sunday :). I can't believe it's been a month since I started blogging what I eat daily :). I'm happy that I get to share with you what I'm doing, what has been working for me and what hasn't really. Since it is Sunday I did weigh myself this morning so check out my weight loss progress and comments bellow. Have a great end of the week!

 Here is what I had today:

For breakfast I had 3 blueberry pancakes topped with 1/4 of a cup frozen blueberries and 1/2 of banana with sugar free syrup. I had coffee with creamer and stevia sweetener and bottled water to drink.Breakfast Cal Intake: 675

For my lunch/brunch I had a large sliced orange. Lunch/Brunch Cal Intake: 87

For dinner I had 1 cup of shrimp fried rice and small side of pickled beets. To drink I had a diet drink and bottled water. Dinner Cal Intake: 400

Today's total calorie intake: 1162


Weekly Weigh In: - 0.4. Not too excited about my weight loss progress this week. I feel it could have been much better. However I am happy I did not actually gained anything which would probably make me feel much worse .....for what it's worth at least we are moving in the right direction so when I think about it that way it's not as bad. I'm aware that some weeks are better than others from my previous weight loss experience. So I'm keeping positive and am still looking forward to upcoming week. As most of you already know,  this week wasn't the easiest for me I have been sick this week and having personal issues that had me quite stressed and well......not so hungry. I hardly had energy to go out and walk or do much else that I usually enjoy doing. Which might be why I hadn't lost much.

Weight loss since the 1st of January 2016: 7.8 pounds

And that was it for today,
Until tomorrow,
Laila

What I ate: January 30th 2016

Hey everyone,

Hope you weekend is going great. Today I'm still not 100%, but compared to yesterday I do feel better. Hopefully by the beginning of the next week I'm back to normal (fingers crossed).

 Here is what I had today:

For breakfast I had  1 sliced kiwi fruit, 2 toasted nine grain bread slices with 1 tbsp of light butter and one scrambled egg.  To drink I had a cup of coffee with creamer and stevia sweetener and bottled water.  Breakfast Cal Intake: 460

For my lunch/brunch I didn't have anything since I woke up pretty late because of the weekend. Lunch/Brunch Cal Intake: 0

For dinner I had a salmon burger with pepper jack cheese and 1 banana. To drink I had bottled water. Dinner Cal Intake: 625

Today's total calorie intake: 1085

And that was it for today,
Until tomorrow,
Laila

Fashion & Accessory Haul- ALDO, DSW, Charter Club, Torrid, Jenni

Hey there everyone,

This haul post was probably way overdue being that most of these things where bought few weeks back .....but nonetheless better late than never. For what it's worth I haven't worn any of these yet so I figured all of these are still very new to me :).

I have been looking for a good denim jacket for ages to wear with my sleeveless summer and spring flowy dresses  .....I love the combo. However between loosing weight, changing sizes and not finding the perfect fit .....it proved to be a real task finding just the right one. I didn't want anything boxy of too over the top .....but just fitted comfy and simple. Something with good definition that was very figure flattering ....and this little jacket by Charter Club fit the bill perfectly.

Now I don't really shop at Torrid at all. I wish I knew about the place when I was bigger though because they have the cutest stuff ever. But I was searching for a floral hat for winter and came across this little black gem  with white little flowers with pearl beads. I fell in love it instantly. I found it on clearance along with this black and white Petar Pan collar Barbie Sweather. I got it in the smallest size they offer .....and figured I would wear it as an oversized sweather with leggings or something ....couldn't pass it up even if it was bigger on me.

I'm a sucker for soft comfy P.Js. That is pretty much what I live in on day to day basis when I'm not going out. I love to be comfy around the house .....but I also love to be cute at the same time .....I got this velour set by Jenny which I thought was so adorable. I also have it in black star print. It's comfy, soft, looks great on and really warm for cooler weather.

I was hanging around in DSW few weeks ago looking for something completely unrelated to my purchase. I saw this awesome wallet by ALDO I thought was really nice. I loved the studs and the design of it. It had whole bunch of compartments, a lot of space. It could easily double as a clutch. I left the store that day without it .....only to come back few days later and purchase it because I couldn't stop thinking about it LOL.

If you remember my Black Friday Haul few weeks back, you probably remember I initially bought this Nine West hat in black. I simply loved it so much. It is warm and really soft. People passing by would constantly comment how much they loved it .....and I really loved it myself and decided I should have it in brown as well.

The last thing I got was this string of faux pearls with little sparkle accents .....in reality I was after a much simpler but much longer string that I can tie into a knot and wear with longer sweathers. I couldn't find what I was looking for ....but I did find these which would work well with different pieces in my wardrobe so I picked them up.

I think that is it for this haul really. I hope you enjoyed it.
Take care,
Laila

What I ate: January 29th 2016

Hey everyone,

Today I was feeling so unwell all day long. I slept a lot and most of the things I ate where given to me by my son Dali. I had a feeling yesterday I was about to get sick but I was hopping for some reason that it wouldn't happen. I apologize for the lack of creativity and effort on my part....I'm just really not up for it. I did however promise I would blog whatever I ate daily ....and I do intent to keep my promise. Hopefully tomorrow things get better :).

 Here is what I had today:

For breakfast I had 2 toasted nine grain bread slices with 1 tbsp of light butter.  To drink I had a cup of coffee with creamer and stevia sweetener and bottled water.  Breakfast Cal Intake: 310

For my lunch/brunch I had a plain oatmeal with 1/2 cup of organic frozen blueberries ( no sugar added) and 1 cup of unsweetened coconut almond milk. The blueberries where microwaved in oatmeal by mistake hence the blue hue oatmeal LOL. To drink I had a bottled water. Lunch/Brunch Cal Intake: 175

For my snack today I had a cup of tea and a Madeline biscuit. Snack Cal Intake: 130

For dinner I had 3 slices of nine grain toast and 3 tbsp of pate. To drink I had tea and bottled water. Dinner Cal Intake: 408

Today's total calorie intake: 1023

And that was it for today,
Until tomorrow,
Laila

What I ate: January 28th 2016

Hey everyone,

Today was somewhat of a scattered day. I was pretty much all over the place just running around. I get for some reason overwhelmingly tired and I've had a sligh headache all day long. Needless to say I felt completely uninspired to cook or create anything.I am glad though that tomorrow is Friday and weekend is around the corner. 

 Here is what I had today:

For breakfast I had 2 toasted nine grain bread slices with 1 tbsp of peanut butter and 1 tbsp of marmalade.  To drink I had a cup of coffee with creamer and stevia sweetener and bottled water.  Breakfast Cal Intake: 410

For my lunch/brunch I had Dannon Light & Fit Strawberry Cheesecake Greek Yogurt  To drink I had a bottled water. Lunch/Brunch Cal Intake: 80

For my snack today I had nothing to eat, instead I had a small skinny caramel macchiato. Snack Cal Intake: 200

For dinner I had a plain 2 egg omelet with 2 sliced of nine grain toasted bread with 2 tbsp of light butter. To drink I had bottled water. Dinner Cal Intake: 520

Today's total calorie intake: 1210

And that was it for today,
Until tomorrow,
Laila

Blackberry Cashmere + Leather OOTD

I finally got the chance to wear this beautiful cashmere  sweather few days ago. I love the rich  blackberry color of it and the soft feel of cashmere. I got this  INC cashmere sweather during Black Friday sales just before Christmas  and I haven't worn it yet so It was really  about time to take it out for a stroll :).

I paired it with faux leather flounce pleaded black skirt I got few seasons ago at Ann Taylor. I wanted to mix the soft feminine and tough edgy elements in this outfit. I added an animal print black tights by HUE just for some extra visual interest. I wore my high heel tall suede boots by IMPO with this outfit that I have been obsessed with for the last few months. I love them because of the thicker heel, comfort and warmth but also because they look great with shorter length outfits during colder months.

I added my Michael Kors Studded Selma handbag to this look and pretty much was done.

My makeup was also in blackberry hues. I was inspired by my lovely sweather. I wanted simple makeup but with some impact and pop of color. I choose blackberry eye liner, soft berry blush and colorful but sheer berry lip gloss.

Face: Estée Lauder Double Wear, Eyes: YBF, Anastasia Beverly Hills, L'Oreal, Cheeks: Milani, Lips: Shiseido 

As far as my hair went, I didn't mess with it too much. I just put it in hot rollers while I was putting on makeup and brushed it out gently to create soft curls.

Take care,
Laila

What I ate: January 27th 2016

Hey everyone,

Happy Humpday! Hope your mid week is going great :).

 Here is what I had today:

For breakfast I had 1 cup of Special K Vanilla Almond cereal with 1 cup of unsweetened coconut almond milk topped with 1/4 frozen mixed berries (no sugar added). To drink I had a cup of coffee with creamer and stevia sweetener and bottled water.  Breakfast Cal Intake: 260

For my lunch/brunch I had my favorite iced chocolate cupcake with filling.  To drink I had a cup of coffee with creamer and stevia sweetener and bottled water. Lunch/Brunch Cal Intake: 240

For dinner I had a  spicy sardine sandwich. Not the nicest smelling food ever! LOL ....but really really good for you. Quite yummy too.  I used nine grain bread to make my sandwich. I mixed sardines in hot sauce with chopped onion, cilantro, mustard, spicy ketchup, Japanese mayo, pickled jalapeño slices and freshly squeezed lemon juice and a medium Red Delicious Apple. To drink I had iced bottled water with a lemon vedge. Dinner Cal Intake: 530

Today's total calorie intake: 1030

And that was it for today,
Until tomorrow,
Laila

What I ate: January 26th 2016

Hey everyone,

Today was a lovely day :)). It rained all day .....and according to the weather channel it will rain all week long. I don't mind it. I actually find the sound, smell and feel of rain quite relaxing. It makes me feel somewhat sentimental. Anyhow, the second day of the week was just a regular week day with lots of stuff to do.

 Here is what I had today:

For breakfast I had 1 cup of Special K Vanilla Almond cereal with 1 cup of unsweetened coconut almond milk topped with 1 whole sliced banana. To drink I had a cup of coffee with creamer and stevia sweetener and bottled water.  Breakfast Cal Intake: 360

For my lunch/brunch I had a strawberry cake roll. To drink I had a cup of coffee with creamer and stevia sweetener and bottled water. Lunch/Brunch Cal Intake: 280

For dinner I had a salad. It was a mix of chickpea, avocado, stir fry shrimp, feta, spinach and cherry tomatoes To drink I had a 1/2 of diet drink and bottled water. Dinner Cal Intake: 350

Today's total calorie intake: 990

And that was it for today,
Until tomorrow,
Laila

What I ate: January 25th 2016

Hey everyone,

The fourth week is here. Today was just  a typical Monday for me :). Hopefully all of you are having a fantastic start of your week.

 Here is what I had today:

For breakfast I had a lightly toasted ciabatta with 1 tbsp of light butter and 1 tbsp of orange marmalade. To drink I had a cup of coffee with creamer and stevia sweetener and bottled water.  Breakfast Cal Intake: 320

For my lunch/brunch I had my favorite chocolate iced cupcake with filling. To drink I had a cup of coffee with creamer and stevia sweetener and bottled water. Lunch/Brunch Cal Intake: 240

For dinner I had a Veggie Burger with a small side of feta cheese roasted potatoes. To drink I had an iced green tea and bottled water. Dinner Cal Intake: 588

Today's total calorie intake: 1148

And that was it for today,
Until tomorrow,
Laila

Animal Print & Navy OOTD

Hey everyone,

Well here I am with yet another animal print outfit of the day :). While some people find animal print itself somewhat intimidating and loud .....and well even hard to pull of. I always believed that animal print done right can and does actually look very classy, sophisticated and elegant. It's considered  a neutral, therefore can be paired with huge variety of things. Animal print never goes out of style and can be worn all year long.

Last Friday, I had a coffee date with a friend and this is the outfit I wore. I choose an animal print sheath long sleeve dress by INC (International Concepts), I purchased sometime last year and paired it with my navy satin trench coat by Michael Kors. For the shoes I decided to go with the navy theme and I wore my navy vinyl leather pumps to tie the outfit together. I initially was thinking black trench and black pumps and animal print .....I mean, no brainier! Right?  .....But than I thought "that is so expected, let's do something more fun and creative". I kept the trench and the shoes in the same color family and quite simple without much going on on them, making the dress itself the statement of the outfit.

I kept hot rollers in my hair while I was doing my makeup. They always create soft romantic curls which I love. My makeup was soft earthy rose smokey eye with chocolate liner for some definition and rosy nude lips and blush. I wanted my makeup to look soft since the dress was  already fierce enough :).

Take care,
Laila

What I ate: January 24th 2016 + Weekly Weigh In

Hey everyone,

Here we are at the end of the week 3! I had such a relaxing Sunday today after yesterday's house cleaning craze :). Today was all about  sleeping in, relaxing,  movies, being lazy, eating out, no dishes and pretty much doing a lot of  absolutely nothing :)))). I did go for a quick stroll this afternoon which did me some good. I like taking long walks ....I feel it's relaxing. I did weigh myself this morning though :). Check out my comments below!

 Here is what I had today:

For breakfast I had 2 toasted English muffins with 1 tbsp of light butter and 2 tbsp of orange marmalade. To drink I had a cup of coffee with creamer and stevia sweetener and bottled water.  Breakfast Cal Intake: 410

For my lunch/brunch I didn't eat anything since I slept in today ....I wasn't even feeling hungry.  Lunch/Brunch Cal Intake: 0

For dinner I had a 1/2 of Subway Tuna footlong. I shared it with Dali. To drink I had  diet drink and  later had bottled water. Cal Intake: 480

Today's total calorie intake: 890

Weekly Weigh In: 1.8 pounds down! :))) Yay!!!! I feel great about this week's progress and can't wait to see what happens by the end of the next week. I personally am satisfied with my progress so far....My clothes are becoming looser each week as well so I'm certainly starting to feel and see the difference for sure :).

Weight loss since the 1st of January 2016: 7.4 pounds

And that was it for today,
Until tomorrow,
Laila

What I ate: January 23rd 2016

Hey everyone,

It's the weekend finally :). It was pouring like crazy all day long. Today was a very busy day. I was at home all day pretty much just cleaning the house. I was in one of those moods where you turn on the music loud and just gut everything out around you LOL. Thankfully by the end of the day my house was spotless .....just the way I like it.

 Here is what I had today:

For breakfast I had a 3 slices of French Toast with 1 cup of mixed berries and 1/2 a cup of sugar free maple syrup. To drink I had a cup of coffee with creamer and stevia sweetener and bottled water.  Breakfast Cal Intake: 585

For my lunch/brunch I had a large orange, coffee with creamer and stevia sweetener and bottled water.  Lunch/Brunch Cal Intake: 120

For dinner I had a salmon wrap. I used 1 tortilla, 1 tbsp of salmon dip spinach, sprinkle of feta and a bit of smoked salmon to make it. I had a side of fresh broccoli  and cherry tomatoes with it. To drink I had 1/2 diet drink and bottled water. Cal Intake: 323

 Today's total calorie intake: 1028


And that was it for today,
Until tomorrow,
Laila