A BIG BLOG Change

Big news, guys! 

Where do I begin? For starters, this year has brought in some big changes (and we're only about two months in!). As I've gotten older and started working full-time, I've re-prioritized some things in my life. I've mentally tallied the things I enjoy doing (and writing about), and the things that I don't.

Blogging has been a source of excitement, opportunities and eye-opening events. It's also been my creative, personal outlet for the past few years. But blogging, and the ideas behind it, are constantly evolving and changing.

The "Blogger" platform is great, but I really want to take my blogging to the next level. And I want to engage more with my readers (that's you!).

If there's anything that I've learned through blogging, it's that readers can tell when you're writing about something you love. Passion translates (or doesn't) through words.

And as I'm getting older and discovering who I really am, what I love is constantly changing.

So, now, I'm adjusting my sails and moving in a different direction.

I hope that you'll follow me and my adventures on my new blog, Girl Meets Grits.

Girl Meets Grits is a blog about food, drinks and entertaining. It also has a bit of travel and style mixed in. Read more about the blog and why I chose the name here.

On Miami Time may be retiring, but it will always be my first baby. I hope that you'll continue reading and following my posts over at Girl Meets Grits.

xx, Jaime

Valentia Even Glow Serum

Guys, I have to tell you about this awesome new skincare product I recently tried. I had never heard of the brand before, which isn't necessarily a deal breaker, because I love trying new brands, but it definitely surpassed my expectations.

This serum is from this skincare brand called Valentia, and it's an antioxidant treatment that supposedly evens your skin tone, boosts collagen and gives you a lit-from-within glow. It sounds like big shoes to fill, but it really delivered. The best part (in my humble opinion, anyways) is that the serum smells like a creamsicle. Yes, like orange and vanilla ice cream had a baby. DE-LICIOUS. Just try not to eat it.

Needless to say, I'm a fan. You can buy Valentia serum here or here.

Five Things

{Grits' customized Starbucks order}

Even though it's been a while since I've done a "five things" post, I recognize there's something about revisiting positive things that makes you feel instantly more grateful and fulfilled. I started reading "The Happiness Project" this week, and it's completely changed my perspective on what "happiness" really means. So far, I'm only three chapters in and I've been working on cutting clutter -- both physical and psychic (emotional)-- from my life. I have to say, it's refreshing. Here's to a happy and wonderful week. xx

{Grits, monogrammed socks + a great book}

{Pain au chocolat + cappuccino} 

{A tidy + bright workspace}

{Sunday breakfast}

Grilled Cheese + Fried Egg

Some days, you crave a salad (I've never had one of these days, but I hear that they do, in fact, exist).
While other days, you crave a three-cheese monstrosity with a baby chicken on top.
...Today fell in the latter camp

Mozzarella, colby jack and cheddar cheeses with a fried egg on top.

Top it with a drizzle of hot sauce and you don't need salad dressing. I created a .gif so you can admire the full glory of the fried egg being cut. I really wish I could add background audio of angels singing so you could get the full effect. 

This is probably the easiest recipe I'll ever post, but here goes:

1. Make a grilled cheese with the cheese(s) of your choice. I used mozzarella, cheddar and colby jack (also known as the holy trinity)
2. Fry an egg 
3. Place a bed of spinach on your plate and top with grilled cheese
4. Finish your sandwich with the fried egg, a sprinkle of paprika and hot sauce (if desired)
5. Try not to shove the entire thing in your mouth. I dare you.

Last Year, According to Instagram

January of last year started off with a bang...and by that, I mean a TON of snow. Alabama declared a state of emergency (read more about that here), but thankfully things looked up for the rest of the year.

February brought on a much-needed break from the cold and a trip to Key West, which is possibly my favorite place in South Florida.

March is Caleb's birthday month, and I surprised him with a skydiving trip in Chattanooga, Tennessee. It was a first for both of us, and definitely something we want to do again.

In April, I got to take a trip to New Orleans with my best friend. Despite seeing a dead body, we had an absolute blast. April was also Birmingham Fashion Week, an event I look forward to every year.

May was crazy. I moved into my new apartment and spent most of the month decorating (and redecorating) it.

June of this year was the best because it's not only my birthday month, but also because that's when I got my fur baby Grits Carlton!

July brought on a ton of family fun in Brasstown Valley, Georgia.

August was mainly spent trying to cool down with a steady of iced coffee.

In September, Caleb and I attempted to make our own Oktoberfest complete with pretzels and beer.

October is always gorgeous in Alabama. This year was extra fun because I got to dress Grits up (shut up, he loves it), carve pumpkins and go all out for Halloween. This year I was the Greek goddess Persephone.

In November, I got to be a bridesmaid in my friend Stephanie's wedding. It was a gorgeous event and I was honored to be a part of it. Also, I made some sweet pumpkin pie for Halloween that month.

December was really relaxing. I went home to Florida to visit my parents and be a tourist in my hometown. 

I can't wait to see what 2015 brings!

Hometown Hero

It's always nice to go home for the holidays. Especially when your home happens to be in South Florida. Growing up I didn't spend much time in Miami, even though I live just miles from it, because traffic is a nightmare and it's an absolute tourist trap. But when you live out of town, it just seems like a place you have to go while you're there. My friends and I decided to hit up Wynwood, which is a super artsy and fashion-forward part of Miami that's known for hosting Art Basel. Also, my favorite coffee shop, Black Panther Coffee, happens to be there. 

Afterward wandering around Wynwood, we broke in legally entered the Miami Marine, another super cool spot for graffiti and gorgeous views of Biscayne Bay. As these pictures show, sometimes you just need to take the day to be a tourist in your hometown.

My 8 Favorite Skin Products of 2014

2014 was a big year for my skincare regimen. I've never been one for wearing foundation, so I try to take care of my skin the best I can. Some people find an entire line of skincare products that work well for their skin. I'm not one of those people. After much experimentation last year, here are my 8 favorite products on the market right now. 

Nude oil// Boscia mask// Shiseido softening concentrate// Retinol serum & concentrate// First Aid Beauty facial polish// Kate Sommerville cream// Evian facial spray

Looking Back on 2014...

2014's bucket list is interesting to look back on. So many of these things on my list happened organically, while others took a bit more convincing to try. Unfortunately I wasn't able to cross off every item, but I'm pretty proud of how far I've come since last December.

2014's list:

1. Travel somewhere with my best friend. 2. Read more books. 3. Get healthier and stronger. 4. Run and complete a 5K. 5. Be fearless of the future. 6. Volunteer for a great cause. 7. Find a new hobby or passion. 8. Start writing my book. 9. Get a tattoo. 10. Love more, fight less. 11. Eat at Hot and Hot Fish Club.

What really went down:

1. I traveled to New Orleans and Key West with my best friend. We had cocktails and saw a dead body. It was casual (for explanation on the latter part, click the New Orleans link). 

2. I proudly crossed over a dozen books off the list, including the Heroin Diaries, Will Write for Shoes, Spring Fever, Ladies Night, The One & Only, #Girlboss, White Girl Problems, Revenge Wears Prada, Bitter is the New Black, and design books from Jonathan Adler & Lilly Pulitzer. (I have a bad chick lit problem, DON'T JUDGE ME). 

3. I didn't do as well as I'd hoped with this resolution. But I will say that I have a better understanding of what it means for me to be "healthy". I know that to feel (and look) my best, I need some sort of movement every day and a ton of water. I've also started eating more fruits and veggies, which is a definite start.

4. It's a little delayed, but I'm scheduling my first 5k for the spring. 

5. This one is bit abstract, but think I've definitely taken chances this year that make me feel "fearless" (See: skydiving for the first time).

6. I was honored to buy gifts for our Christmas family at work this year. I also went to a few fundraisers for Hand in Paw, which is an organization that pairs pups with people who have mental and physical disabilities. I'm hoping that when Grits turns a year old, we can join as a therapy team. 

7. This year's hobby was definitely hiking trails with Grits.

8. I've started writing my book -- it's coming along at a glacial pace, so don't break out the movie deals just yet. 

9. No tats yet. I have some ideas of what I like, but commitment issues prevent me from taking the leap.

10. Sure? (I don't even know what this means. Clearly I was in a weird, sentimental place last year).

11. Hot and Hot still calls my name. Who wants to take me on a date? ;)

For the upcoming year, instead of coming up with concrete absolutes, I decided to create a printable that can be shared with my readers. I've filled mine out below, and you can download yours here. I can't wait to see what your resolutions are. Happy New Year! I wish you love, success and happiness in 2015.

Currently Covening

Nothing has ever made me want to pack my things, go to New Orleans and be a witch more than watching AHS Coven. Seriously, the show is awesome, 10/10, highly recommend. When watching TV, I have this weird habit of critiquing the show based on character's fashion choices (perhaps that explains my misunderstood obsession with Gossip Girl). Coven was no exception to this rule, and my God I am obsessed with it. Full disclosure, I'll be wearing black for the next year. 

Fiona Good

Fiona, even though you wear black in like every episode, you make it work with the different textures and accessories. Your cape dress and lace gloves make me want to go out and buy a cape dress and lace gloves. You are the Regina George of AHS. Kudos.

Misty Day

Oh, Misty. We don't share the same style choices, but I give you points for your obsession with Stevie Nicks (same) and your great hair texture. Also, your jewelry layering is on point. 10 points to Gryffindor. 

Madison Montgomery

Madison Montgomery, you are my queen and spirit animal. I love a sassy, stylish broad who isn't afraid to accessorize with a Joe Namath-style fur coat or Russian hat. From sequin shorts to turbins to 90's style chokers and ball gowns, you have GOT IT GOING ON GURL. #VoteMadisonForSupreme

Myrtle Snow

Myrtle, the fact that you have the balls to wear red clothes with crimped, carrot-colored hair gives you major fashion cred. And any witch whose last word is "Balenciaga" is a badass in my book. I like to think of you as Coven's own Andre Leon Talley. 

Less notable, but still dress better than half of TV characters today:

Zoe Benson

Zoe, I'm not even sure why you were allowed in the coven. You're basic as hell. You have one good hat and even that makes you look like Kane from Poltergeist. Bai. 

 Nan (?)

Nan, you always kind of look like Wednesday Addams. Which is cool, because you have that sweet/mean Sour Patch personality going for ya. You do you, girl. 

Cordelia Foxx

Even with your effed up eyes, you're still pretty fine. Although not very "witchy", I like your ladylike bows and midi skirts. 

My 10 Rules for Happiness

Generally, I'm a pretty happy person. It takes a lot for someone to get under my skin, and my outlook is generally optimistic. Recently, though, I've felt "off" and a little more anxious than usual. I think it's normal to get in these kind of funks, but embracing a few life changes definitely helps. Here's what's helped me lately:

1. Embrace your weaknesses
Every day, I'd tell myself that I'd exercise after work. But after a long day, all I wanted to do was make dinner and veg out. To combat this, I've started waking up early a few days a week to go to the gym. It's tough to wake up motivated, but I feel so much more energized and accomplished afterwards.

2. Take care of yourself
For me, that means trying to eat (relatively) healthy, drinking enough water and getting 8 hours of sleep. I notice all the difference when I take 10 more minutes in the morning to do my hair or pick out a cute outfit (Red lips are a confidence booster, y'all!).

3. Disconnect + Reconnect 
I'll be the first to tell you that I have an addiction to social media and technology. And I think we're all guilty of that on some level. I've been making more of a concerted effort to dial it back and be present when I'm with another person. There's nothing worse than having dinner with someone when they're on their phone (#guilty). Foster in-person relationships rather than Facebook ones.

4. Use a planner
I have an actual, old school planner that I write down my to-do lists, plans and appointments in. It's my lifeline and I don't go anywhere without it.

5. Find your 3 passions
One that makes you money, one that keeps you healthy, and one that challenges you creatively.

6. Take some time off
Use your vacation days. Even if you don't have the time or money to go to Europe, take a staycation. Watch Netflix in your bed all day or go to a coffee shop and read. Whatever. Just take time to relax.

7. Embrace rituals and routines
I've always been obsessed with baths. Whenever I'm sick or stressed, I always turn to hot water to heal me. I run a bath, put my phone in the other room, grab a magazine, pour yourself a glass of wine, light some candles and just relax in the hot water. Seriously, it's heaven on earth.

8. Do something by yourself
My Saturdays consist of treating myself to brunch, browsing the farmer's market, and sitting in a coffee shop with a good book. When I was single, I went everywhere (and did everything) by myself. And I absolutely loved it. Why? Because you can do what you love without having to worry if the other person is enjoying themselves. I'm trying to re-embrace that attitude and get back to doing the things I enjoy on a regular basis.

9. Clear the clutter
This one is so tough for me, because I'm not a particularly clean person by nature. I'm not dirty, but I'm messy. Clothes tend to pile up on my floors and dog toys are scattered all over the place. I like to think it's an organized mess, but it's really not. Lately, I've been setting a 15-minute timer each day and cleaning up. It's amazing how just a few minutes a day has changed my living situation (and state of mind) for the better.

10. Splurge (a little)
I have a friend who buys fresh flowers for her apartment every week because she says that they make her happy when she looks at them. Another friend subscribes to Birchbox because she looks forward to the surprise beauty products each month. For me, it's #7 on this list. Find a little thing that makes you happy and stick with it.


What are your rules for happiness?

The Perfect Smoky Eye

A smoky eye is a great going out look, and it's especially great for holiday parties. I've partnered with Signature Minerals to show you how to achieve it. Enjoy!

Small Town USA

In a previous blog post, I mentioned that I would be spending Thanksgiving with my boyfriend's family in Brewton, Alabama. I know I'm a little late in posting, but life has been pretty crazy lately. Anyways, here are the pictures from my rustic adventure.

{Grits loved to roam around on the open land}

{The women in Caleb's family have some serious culinary skills. Pictured above: breakfast (including deer jerky!) and shoe-fly pie...both of which were firsts for me}

{Pinecone-hunting+ sunsets}

{A Purple Martin feeder and gorgeous foliage}

{A cabin bench+a deserted, vintage pick-up truck}