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.

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.

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?

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}

What I'm Thankful for This Year

This Thanksgiving is a little bit different because I won't be going home to Florida. Starting a new job this year I just didn't have the vacation days to swing it (wahh!). But, alas, my boyfriend was nice enough to invite me to his family's farm in Brewton, Alabama. Apparently this place is pretty secluded (read: little to no cell service), but I think it will be nice to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life in the city for a weekend. Besides a place to spend the holiday, here's what I'm thankful for this year...

I'm thankful for my family

Because even from a thousand miles away, I can still feel their unwavering love and support every day. I don't know where I'd be without you two. 

I'm thankful for this guy

You've stood by my side for a year and a half of I love you's, I hate you's, and everything in-between. You make me laugh every single day and you make a mean breakfast sandwich. I think I'll keep you around, babe.

I'm thankful for my adventurous spirit

Because without it, I would never go 100 feet underwater, 18,000 feet in the sky, or pursue my dreams here on earth. 

I'm thankful for my friends

You're my second family that keeps me sane while simultaneously encouraging my shenanigans and general debauchery. For the different and amazing things you all bring to my life -- I love you.

I'm thankful for my fur baby

Grits Carlton -- you have more personality in your little tail than most people do in their entire body. Thank you for always running to the door when I get home, waking me up with kisses, and encouraging me to walk that extra mile (literally). Also, thank you for posing for pictures that you obviously hate and not killing me in my sleep. 

Ch-Ch-Changes

With the holidays right around the corner, I've been trying to budget and plan for gift-giving and party-throwing. Whew. Just writing that sentence got me a little frazzled.

I have a bachelorette party, a wedding, Thanksgiving, a cookie exchange party, and plenty of social events penciled in...all before Christmas. Keeping that looming madness in mind, I've been making a concerted effort over the past few days to reflect on this year.

I think that in our mid-20's, we get to a point where we wonder: what's next? Is this what I'm supposed to be doing? I know that I've doubted (on several occasions) whether I'm lining up my stones to take me down the "right" path (side note: what does "right" even mean anymore?)

Here's the beauty of it all, though: as humans, we have a way of landing on our feet no matter where life takes us. I've proved that to myself many, many times during my short 23 years of life.

This year in particular, I've learned so much about myself -- and I really think that has translated through my blog. While I used to associate myself with being a "fashion blogger", I learned that I'm definitely not. Even though I still appreciate a great outfit (and if you asked my boyfriend, he will tell you that I definitely have a shopping addiction), I realize that I enjoy blogging more about food and entertaining (and okay, looking damn cute doing it).

I can still tell you which designers make what, what's on-trend, and what the Pantone color of the year is...but, to me, it's purely voyeuristic. I can appreciate gorgeous garments, but I don't necessarily need to have them.

And if you gave me 30 minutes before work to put on my Sunday best or whip up an omelette, which do you think I'd choose? Hint: it's the latter.

So what does this odyssey have to do with On Miami Time?

First off, don't feel like you have to check off boxes. You can be a foodie and fashion blogger, or a mom and career woman, or a circus clown and a chef. Whatever. You don't only have to commit to one. Because you're you. And I'm me. And that's great in and of itself (cue guitar circle & Kumbaya sing-a-long).

And for the blog? Expect some changes. Yes, I will still feature some fashion and beauty looks. But I'm really hoping to diversify my content to reflect my current frame of mind. I'm really excited for the changes to come, because if life has taught me anything it's that change is always an opportunity for growth.

Workaween

 

Dressing up for Halloween at work can be tricky. Obviously, you can't overdo it on the sexy and your costume has to be something easy enough to actually work in. This year, I decided on a creepy doll. I only had to buy the lashes and socks, so I definitely consider it a success.

Here's a similar makeup tutorial:

{Willy Wonka + Oompa Loompas}

{Superheroes}

{Three sheets to the wind}

{Me + the 'Loompas}

{I made festive chocolate-covered pretzel sticks}

{Monster eyeballs}

{Witch dip}

{Tiny broomsticks}

{Team pumpkin carving from left to right: Headless horseman, my little pony, ninja turtle, witch, Clark Griswold (clearly ours was the last one)}

Happy Halloween, everyone! Hope it's great! 

Halloween Round 1- Persephone

It's no secret that I take Halloween very seriously. My friends suggested that we all go as Greek gods and goddesses for a party, and I was assigned Persephone (Mythology CliffNotes: She's the queen of the underworld, wife to Hades, lover of pomegranates and general badass).

Note: I never do anything half-assed. Especially when it comes to Halloween. The picture above shows my makeup before I got into costume and did my hair. I'm including this because you can see the details better -- and how cool are my gold eyebrows? #JustSayin 

{Headpiece, Etsy// Necklace, Francesca's// Dress, Belk// Bracelets and flash tattoos, Spirit Halloween// Shoes, Guess}

{Hermes + Persephone}

We had so much fun, and the group's costumes really came together. I mean, we had a MINOTAUR in our group. A MINOTAUR, y'all. If you were wondering, we won the group costume contest. The only thing we were missing was someone fanning us with palm fronds and hand-feeding us grapes. Then again, there's always next year. ;)

{From left to right: Minotaur, Iris, Bacchus, Persephone, Apollo, Hestia}

{Apollo + Persephone}

{Persephone + Hades}

{The whole group together}

So that was round one of Halloween! Stay tuned for more, because you all know I can't stick to just one costume. What are you all dressing up as this year?