LPF Inspiration: You Can Never Have too Much Happy!

I saw this quote the other day and I love how true it is. There is no such thing as too much happiness, and too often in life we focus on the negativity! This picture is from outside of my house last spring where I would pick pink peonies from the bush in my front yard, and few things me happier than fresh flowers!

What's making you happy this week?

xoxo, lauren

Easy Meals for Busy Girls: Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

I know so many people can relate. You go to school or work full time. You come home and want to eat something healthy, but you're exhausted and don't feel like preparing something extravagant. It's so much easier to snack on whatever you have in the fridge or go for takeout.

I am certainly no expert in the kitchen, but I've definitely learned a few go-to specialties for busy days (that seems to be most days!) that I just want a home cooked meal. Today's recipe is a healthy take on my mom's famous chicken salad. Rotisserie chicken is a great starter for many recipes to cut out the time to defrost/cook chicken.

Healthy Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

1 rotisserie chicken (2 cooked chicken breasts) 

1/2 granny smith apple

2 stalks of celery

1/2 cup dried cranberries (crasins)

2 tbsp chopped almonds

1/4 cup diced onion

1/4 cup plain greek yogurt

pinch of salt & pepper

squeeze of lemon or lime juice

optional add-ins: sliced grapes, pinch of garlic powder

Directions:

1. Shred an entire rotisserie chicken into mixing bowl & set aside

2. Chop the celery, apples, onion & almonds into small pieces & add in dried cranberries 

3. Combine the chopped ingredients & rotisserie chicken and stir in greek yogurt

4. Season with salt & pepper to taste

5. Serve over spinach/romaine lettuce or on a croissant roll

I love how simple this recipe & better yet how guilt-free it is without all of the mayo that's normally in a greek salad. You truly don't miss it because of all the great flavor from your ingredients. You can really experiment with adding different ingredients into the mix.

I'm looking forward to sharing some more of my favorite busy girl recipes! What are your go-to's during the chaotic work week?

xoxo, lauren

Red Carpet Ready Cocktail & Oscar Dress Rating Card

Sunday night is the Oscars and admittedly I am probably more excited for the red carpet dresses than the actual awards show. I love to see what the dress trends are and which designers each celebrity choose. It's always interesting to see if they'll go with edgy or classic- an independent or legendary designer. 

I've partnered with Little Black Dress Vodka & lifestyle expert Maureen Petrosky to come up with the perfect red carpet cocktail that would be great for a night watching the awards show or getting ready to go out with the girls!

Red Carpet Ready Cocktail 

1 cup of Little Black Dress Vodka

3 ounces of St. Germaine Elderflower Liqueur 

1/2 cup cranberry juice

1 1/2 cups of club soda

In a large pitcher filled with ice, combine all of  the ingredients and stir. Serve in Champagne flutes.

Ask guests to deliver acceptance speeches as you bestow them each with their well- deserved glass.

Enjoy. Serves 4 to 6

I've also created a handy printable Oscar Dress rating card where you & your friends can rate the dresses on the red carpet and pick who wore it best!

click here for the printable Oscar Dress Rating Card!

Simple Tips for a Stellar Red Carpet Viewing Party

1.       Keep it small. Too many guests- more than 10- means you’ll likely miss the whole show.  

2.       Offer easily portable snacks so guests can graze and still see the TV. Which, by the way, if you have more than one, turn them on so the red carpet can be viewed from as many places as possible. This is one of the only times I will recommend all TVs on for a party.

3.       Serve big batch drinks.  Pre-made batched drinks let you be part of the fun instead of working the event.

4.       Keep it casual but not too casual. The red carpet starts at 3pm EST, which means that west coast viewing parties kick off even before noon. No need for floor length gowns and up-dos but don’t skip the glitz all together! This is the red carpet after all. Throw on sparkly stilettos with your jeans. Don some fabulous jewelry with a simple sweater and of course, break out your best crystal to toast the best dressed!

Will you be getting together with friends to watch the Oscars on Sunday?

xoxo, lauren

P.S. Check out Life's a Journal for a printable Oscar ballot & the Swell Caroline blog for great entertaining ideas!

#ArmParty for #LPFMAG

Anyone who follows me on instagram knows I have a bit of an accessory addiction (admittedly I work in accessory merchandising so no surprise there!). Each bracelet has a story; a nameplate bracelet from when I was a little girl, my Michael Kors watch from my boyfriend, and my sisters Keep Your Balance Bracelets reminding me to keep perspective in life.

Send your arm party pictures to LPFMag@gmail.com  or tag them with the hashtag #LPFMag on instagram to be featured in Issue #3 of La Petite Fashionista Magazine

We are hard at work on Issue #3 of LPF Mag & can't wait to share! 

Also make sure to check out my guest post for Erika at the Small Shop Blog featuring a Sophisticated Surf Shack in Malibu that's just my style! Be sure to go check out one of my favorites!

xoxo, lauren

Inspired by: Vintage Roller Skating

This week for a friend's birthday we decided to hit up the local roller skating rink for their "cheap skate" night. I think it will be fun, as I used to be a regular in elementary school though haven't been on skates in probably 12+ years!

 I thought it was perfectly timely for a blog post since I've been seeing roller skates as a theme popping up in editorials and photoshoots like crazy. I think especially in these pastel shades there is something so perfectly feminine and nostalgic about roller skating.

images: 1// 2 // 3 // 4

How amazing right? I love that Urban Outfitters is selling the oh-so-cute Moxi Roller Skates pictured in the third images. I totally encourage you to get all of your girlfriends together for a cheap skating night in your town as a fun throwback to your childhood.

Did you go rollerskating as a kid?

xoxo, lauren

Pretty Party Dresses // ASOS Giveaway

The thing about Spring is it makes me feel like I can break out my party dresses and don't have to hide in jeans & heavy down coats anymore! Though I might need to pair them with tights I am absolutely in love with these trendy party dresses from ASOS!

PARTY DRESS TRENDS // GET THE LOOK:

• [Ruffles]: Pair this pretty seafoam frock with metallic strappy heels
• [Denim]: I love the 90's feel wiith the acid wash top & attached lace skirt
• [Cutouts]: Petite girls rejoice-- this petite exclusive dress is so chic with its cutout back & twisted straps
• [One Shoulder]: This bright orange one-shoulder dress is a stunner when paired with a statement necklace
• [Ombre]: This ombre dress is perfect for a glass of wine out with the girls; pair with jeweled sandals & topknot
• [Skater Skirt]: This figure flatting petite dress has a ballet wrap top & fit and flare styling (this one needs to find it's way into my closet!)

I am SO excited to be partnering with ASOS for a $50 gift card giveaway-- Enter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

xoxo, lauren

Latest WANDERlust: Surf & Yoga Retreats

One of the things I miss most about Florida is being close to the ocean. Especially times like these where it's still below freezing in Wisconsin. It's so convenient when you have a stressful day to take a walk down the causeway, breathe in the salty air, and literally and figuratively let your hair down. 

Lately I've been dreaming about a little getaway to a relaxing surf & yoga retreat!

Get the Look: Roxy Rashguard // Volcom Cooler Bag // Dolce Vita Sandals/ Billabong Indian Summer Dress

My idea of the perfect surfside beach ensemble is a rashguard (a must for sun & skin protection), breezy dress to throw on post-surf session, an insulated cooler disguised as a chic beach bag & stylish sandals that can take you from the beach to the tiki bar.

I've especially been dreaming about the Pura Vida Adentures Surf & Yoga retreat. How amazing would it be to spend a week doing morning oceanfront yoga sessions, surfing all day stopping for fresh meals with local ingredients, and a massage at the spa to melt all your stress away? I think it'd be incredibly reinvigorating for the mind, body & soul. Sign me up!

xoxo, lauren

Happy Valentine's Day from LPF!

In the spirit of  Valentine's Day stumbled upon this tumblr site and couldn't help but love all the vintage photography of young couples in love. I particularly love that they're overlooking Paris, the City of Love!

Happy Valentine's Day to you & your loved ones. I personally like to keep a little bit of Valentine's Day in every day- no special occasion necessary!

I also love Jen at MadebyGirl's digital mag, "Cartas de Amor" where bloggers share their love letters and stories and she features some delicious recipes and gifts.

xoxo, lauren

Fall 13 Fashion Week Faves: DVF

Another one of my perennial fashion week favorites is Diane von Furstenberg. The Fall 13 collection was no different- this season was all about 70's glam with color and texture. She showed a lot of faux fur, suede, metallic leather & satin and had a modern twist on looks with bright pop colors like fuchsia and cobalt.

With the still freezing weather there's a lot from these looks that I could easily slip into my existing wardrobe, like that enormous fur collar and a brightly colored satin blazer.

get the look: camel and faux fur coat// snakeskin shirt // neon pink dress // cobalt suede heels // hot pink lipstick // cognac bag // metallic gold wedges

I'm continuing to search through the shows and bring the most wearable collections to LPF! The avante garde is fun to look at, but can be a bit tricky to interpret for the real world- where as these looks are a bit easier of silhouettes.

xoxo, lauren

Get the Look: Date Night Hair

With Valentine's Day coming up this week and my major lack of hair styling skills I was inspired to pull together a few of my favorite date night hair looks! From the easy (messy waves- my go to) to the skillful (chignon), I am determined to put a little extra effort in this week!

I also love how adding a cute hair accessory insta-glams up blah hair. I am totally obsessed with everything at Ban.do- pretty, sparkly, and girly!

get the look: chignon // messy waves // topknot // half up half down

the accessories:  glitter bobbi pins // jewel bobbi pin // heart clip // tulle headband

What's your go-to date night hair style? Please share your hair secrets with me!

xoxo, lauren

Fall 13 Fashion Week Faves: Kate Spade

My favorite time of year, New York Fashion Week is here! I've been checking out the collections and will try to recap fall 13 fashion trends from my favorite shows. The first show that (not surprisingly so) caught my attention was Kate Spade's collection, which had a colorful NYC theme!

images via fashionista

One of my favorite features of the show were the colorful and novelty tights and heels, but there was so much to love from the bright pop art prints, colorblocking, polka dots, bows and extra- big hair!

As I've said for so many seasons-- I dream of getting the chance to go in person to NYFW.. someday!

What have been your favorite shows so far?

xoxo, lauren

What to Wear: Valentine's Day

Figuring out to wear on Valentine's Day should be easy right? Just throw on a little black dress and some high heels and you're good to go? I love the idea of stepping outside of the expected and sporting a little bit of color (pink, red & purple anyone?). 

I have some outfit ideas no matter what your Valentine's Day plans & perfect coordinating lipstick and nail polish pairings! It's a great opportunity to put in a little extra effort!

Get the Look: 

LONG TERM BF: lilac dress // turquoise bauble necklace // lilac lip gloss // gold peeptoe heels // magenta nail polish

GIRL'S NIGHT: polka dot shirt // statement necklace //  red skirt // black heels // red lipstick// red nail polish

HOT DATE:  monogram necklace // hot pink dress //  hot pink lipstick // ccolor blocked heels // hot pink nail polish

Dinner with a long term boyfriend? Try wearing a cinched waist dress in a pretty, feminine color and a bright colored polish. Girl's night?  Perfect time to break out all those man-repelling trends we love so much! ;) Going on your first couple of dates with a new man? Wear a figure flattering dress and a pair of bold heels!

I've also partnered again with Dianna at The Kitchen Prep to bring you a sweet V-Day treat-- these mouth watering boozy chocolate truffles (make them with your guy's favorite liquor)! Head on over to her blog to get the recipe!

How adorable would a DIY'd box of these chocolate truffles be for Valentine's Day?

What are your Valentine's Day plans?

xoxo, lauren

LPF Entertains: DIY Valentine's Day Dinner Date

I am so excited to partner with one of my favorite food bloggers, the Kitchen Prep this week for a series of Valentine's Day inspired posts from romantic tablescapes & date night outfits to delicious Valentine's Day treats! Single? Get your girlfriends together for some romantic comedies and vino!

 La Petite Fashionista readers- meet my new blogger friend, Dianna! I discovered Dianna's blog during her Tailgate Thursday series- even though she's a Gator fan -  she sure knows how to whip up some tasty recipes for football season! The way I feel about fashion and design is the way Dianna feels about food- she's passionate & continuously inspired. We both are Lilly lovin' Florida girls with a penchant for all things sweet and I am so glad we connected (isn't the blogging world wonderful?).

Be sure to stop by her blog and say hi & check out her valentine's day recipes!

Follow the Kitchen Prep blog // facebook // pinterest // twitter // instagram

As you probably noticed from my recent printable valentines post that I'm a teensy bit excited for February 14th. I created a colorful pink & red Valentine's Day dinner tablescape inspiration with the perfect amount of sparkle (and even a tissue paper garland!). I love the idea of taking existing things you own, doing affordable DIY's & hunting through thrift stores to create a unique look!

a gold "L" for love (or the two of your initials) makes a perfect centerpiece. I painted a paper mache letter with gold metallic paint for an affordable luxe look.

I found these gold rimmed plates at my favorite thrift store for 99 cents! They made the perfect romantic statement (& i loved it paired with these fun preppy target napkins & a DIY chevron heart (write your special guest's name in glue & sprinkle with gold glitter for some shimmer).

I couldn't believe my luck when I found this sweet gold cupid candle holder during my thrifting adventure-- I thought it added a little bit of character to the table. (I also scored these red tealight holders & taper candle for less than $1.00 each!).

I am in LOVE with how this DIY tissue paper tassel garland turned out! I used a simple tutorial and now I want to make another one for my bedroom!

I painted a wooden heart bowl with gold metallic paint to turn it into a sweet dish (and doubles as a jewelry catch-all after Valentine's Day). Guys, take note- any girl would love a unique, almost-too-pretty-to-eat box of chocolates over a box from Walgreens!

Check out Dianna's recipe for these Sweetheart Jelly Donut Muffins, which would make the perfect Valentine's Day breakfast for the love in your life (and okay, maybe we'll have a few ourselves too)!

Get the recipe on the Kitchen Prep!

Check back on Friday for some more Valentine's Day inspiration from the two of us!

xoxo, lauren

LPF Loves: Stylish Printable Valentines

I am especially feeling the love this year for Valentine's Day thanks to a boyfriend who spoils me silly (& takes the occasional outfit picture for me- thanks Kyle)! I've created some stylish printable Valentine's Day cards/graphics for you to send to all of your favorite valentines this year or pin up to your inspiration board.

I am excited for a low key valentine's day dinner at home (& chocolate fondue for dessert) and probably a dorky sci fi movie-- my perfect night! Check back soon for a series of posts for a Valentine's Day collaboration with the Kitchen Prep!

What is the best Valentine's Day you've ever had?

xoxo, lauren

Win A Bauble Bib Necklace from Brighthouse Baubles!

Today I have a special giveaway from accessory site, Brighthouse Baubles, of one of their oh-so-cute bauble bib necklaces! Check out their site for tons of trendy and affordable accessories! As you can see below, I'm sporting mine with gingham, but I also LOVE the idea of pairing the pink & red ones with a LBD or lace dress for Valentine's Day.

Enter to win below in our rafflecopter giveaway widget!

colorful bauble bib necklaces from brighthouse baubles!

my gingham shirt & bauble bib necklace

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!! Which color would you choose?

xoxo, lauren

Polka Dot Pants

Lately I have had #polkadotproblems- instantly gravitating towards all things polka dot. So when I spotted these polka dotted jeans during my recent Forever 21 shopping score I knew they needed a place in my closet! I threw on this cozy cobalt sweater and layered with a chambray shirt for a little denim-on-denim action!

loving this teardrop bib necklace via Brighthouse Baubles!

I get so tired of wearing jeans for so many cold months-- I miss my sundresses! So this novelty pair of denim is a nice opportunity to break up the monotony of winter dressing!

Love my Brighthouse Bauble necklace? Check back later this week for a giveaway for a piece of your own from their new collection!

xoxo, lauren