Are there any fellow bubble tea lovers out there? Hello from a milk bubble tea obsessed friend. ๐ I think it’s safe to say if you found your way to this post, you’re likely a fan of bubble tea. Bubble tea has become my latest obsession but I can’t afford to constantly pay $7 per drink. Anyone with me?? So I experimented and found a way to make a similar version at home, and it’s actually pretty good!
Author: justjstylinlife
Everything You Need To Know Before And After Wisdom Teeth Surgery
Surgery…
A word you never want to hear related to you. You just went to your dentist and were told you that you need to get your wisdom teeth removed. They gave you a referral to an oral surgeon for the procedure. You’re scared, unsure and anxious. Surgery?! What does that mean for you? Is it painful? How long does it take to recover? In this post I will discuss my personal experience with getting my wisdom teeth removed. I had so many questions and so much anxiety – I researched for weeks before my procedure. I wanted to know everything I could to be prepared. My hope is that my experience can help you and reassure you going into your surgery. Here is everything you need to know before and after wisdom teeth surgery.
What To Eat After Wisdom Teeth Surgery
It’s the last few days before your procedure and you’re wondering what you can eat afterwards. If you’re thinking “I need to know what to eat after wisdom teeth surgery” this list was made just for you. The first few days you will only be able to have soft foods that you can swallow without chewing. Think soup, yogurt, milkshakes, etc. I’ve found a few excellent options that helped me get through the days after my surgery. So I’m sharing them here with you with the hope that they can help you too. You’ll want to get your groceries a few days before your procedure to make sure you’re prepared. Once you are home after your surgery, you should not be driving to get food for 3-4 days.
The One Fall Skirt You Need This Year & How To Style It
Fall is right around the corner which means it’s almost time for fall outfits – my favorite! Sweaters, skirts, suede, over the knee boots, hats, booties… the list goes on. Here in Atlanta, cooler fall weather doesn’t come until later October. But that doesn’t stop me from styling outfits for fall with pretty pieces like this fall skirt! Fall is the only season when jewel tones are considered neutrals and can easily be paired with just about any other fall color which makes putting together outfits so much fun. You may see shades of burgundy, brown, orange, navy blue, black and beige in just about every outfit.
With so many color options it may seem overwhelming to know what to put together to style an outfit. =&0=&ย caramel colored suede skirt=&2=&. If you’re looking for fall outfit ideas, scroll down for a few easy ways to style this skirt.
Or if you’re looking for other styling ideas, check out the Fashion category with additional ideas.
=&3=&
!function(w,i,d,g,e,t){d.getElementById(i)||(element=d.createElement(t),element.id=i,element.src="https://widgets.rewardstyle.com"+e,d.body.appendChild(element)),w.hasOwnProperty(g)===!0&&"complete"===d.readyState&&w[g].init()}(window,"shopthepost-script",document,"__stp","/js/shopthepost.js","script")
For this look I paired the suede skirt with aย =&4=&, a fuzzyย =&5=&ย andย =&6=&. This fuzzy cardigan keeps you very warm and is perfect for colder weather. At just $32 it’s a steal! And suede OTK boots are a must have fall staple piece for any look. To complete this look I added a =&7=&
A Quick Guide to Playa Largo Resort in Key Largo Florida
Florida vacation anyone?
You hear people talk about Florida all the time and how they’re ready to go back as soon as they get back from vacation. (guilty!) Everyone talks about how Florida has the best beaches in the US with soft white sand and clear blue water. Or how they had the best time at a theme park in Orlando, taking a boat ride on the water or partying in Miami. But have you ever been to Key Largo before? You know the Beach Boys song ๐ถ “Key Largo, Montego, baby why don’t we go…” ๐ถ Yeah, that one. It is on my bucket list to go to every place mentioned in the Kokomo song and Key Largo, Florida happens to be the first. Particularly the Playa Largo Resort. Aruba, Jamaica, Bermuda, Bahamas, Montego and Kokomo I’m comin’ for you! Whew what a list!
Location
If you are unfamiliar with Florida, Key Largo is located approximately halfway between Miami and Key West along the Florida Keys strip. Think of the southern right tip of Florida and then go even further south on a tiny strip of islands. That’s where you’ll find Key Largo. On such a narrow strip of land, there is only one main highway to get you around the Keys. Say goodbye to any wishes of shortcuts or alternative routes!
Here is an interactive map with Key Largo outlined in red to give you a visual idea of where it is.
Key Largo is more laid back and slower-paced than most popular Florida cities. The 30A stretch along northern Florida is known for the beautiful white sand beaches and family-friendly beach destination vacations. This includes everything from Pensacola, Destin, Rosemary Beach to Panama City Beach. Orlando is mainly known for Universal and Disney theme parks and one of my favorites, the Gaylord Palms Resort. (I have a guide for that resort too! Check it out here). And of course Miami is known for it’s party scene and the iconic Ocean Drive and South Beach with colorful lifeguard posts. Then you have Key Largo which is known more for being luxurious and relaxing with a bit of adventure.
I went to Key Largo for the first time recently and had a wonderful time. How can you not love Florida beach towns, right?! It was a quick trip for a wedding which was being held at the most popular resort in Key Largo, Florida – the Playa Largo Resort & Spa Autograph Collection. Think soft white sand and turquoise blue waters, drinks along the water, and blissfully swinging in a hammock among the palm trees. We did not stay in a room at the hotel due to the room prices, but we did get to experience the rest of the resort. And now I want to share it all with you.
Let me show you around the dreamy tropical Playa Largo Resort starting with the
Lobby & Outdoor Terrace
As soon as you enter the lobby you are greeted by a central fountain, swinging chairs and an upscale jazzy bar. You immediately feel like you’re in a luxury resort awaiting your relaxing beach vacation because well, you are! The aesthetic is light and natural with a casual/cozy feel. You’ll feel welcomed by the calming neutral cream tones and brown and white accents. In addition, the white woven egg chairs add a fun and beachy vibe and a neat place to chill and relax indoors.
Through the other door of the lobby you enter a beautiful outdoor terrace with seating overlooking the resort pool. Here you will find various seating arrangements and tables for eating or relaxing. This area is very spacious and is perfect for savoring a meal with a view or enjoying the outdoors with a little shade. The views of the pool and the ocean from here are unbeatable. Enjoy the views while being a few steps away from the air conditioned lobby.
Head back inside, down the winding stairs and outside to the entrance to the…
Resort Pool
The resort pool was one of my favorite places at Playa Largo. The pool is spacious enough for plenty of people to enjoy but still have their space. Along the edges are ledges where you can sit without getting all the way into the water. The palm trees around the outside add slight cover from the sun along the edge of the pool. Also Cabanas are available at an extra cost which include additional lounge chairs outside the tent. However pool chairs are limited so get to the pool early to save a seat. Seats nearer to the pool are a safer bet. Some people are very particular about their chairs and may ask you to move if you are sitting in seats that they reserved (yes, this happened to us).
To the left of the pool is the Sandbar where you can order cocktails and poolside snacks. In particular, the strawberry daiquiri was to die for! (More on this below). They serve a variety of foods and drinks for munching poolside. On another note, since you are in south Florida you will see a variety of lizards and iguanas around the resort. This includes small lizards running across the ground to large iguanas climbing up the palm trees. Therefore be aware if you are afraid of lizards! One of our friends tried chasing and catching a lizard which he then got called out for. In other words, do not try to catch lizards.
After walking through the pool area, you will come out onto the resort…
Beach
Outside the pool area is a span of sandy areas along the water, held back by concrete walls. This is referred to as the beach. While the sand does not flow directly into the water as it would at a normal beach, it is still nice to be able to put your feet in the sand and enjoy the ocean views. Stairs along the edge allow easy access into the water. In addition, The water along the beach is shallow making it perfect for a little walk without getting too wet. You can also swim and snorkel if you go out a bit further into the water. Moreover, watersports such as kayaking, paddle boarding and snorkeling are offered at an additional cost at the resort. You’ll find beach chairs lined in the sand along the water for that sand-in-your-toes experience you look forward to at the beach.
My favorite part of the beach would have to be the hammocks. Between the pool and the ocean are these chic roundย hammock sets underneath the palm trees. Getting into one and getting adjusted was a bit difficult. But once comfortably inside, the relaxation factor was phenomenal. Just close your eyes and relax while listening to the calming ocean breeze and the local birds chirping. Tall palm trees offer just enough shade for comfort. You will also find a few shorter trees along the beach that provide excellent protection from the sun. Because of this you will find small twigs and pieces of bark mixed in the sand when walking on the beach. Be careful not to step on anything and hurt your feet.
Just to the right of the beach is one of Playa Largo Resort’s…
Restaurants & Bars
Whether you want a beachside snack or a classic indoor meal, Playa Largo has a few options for food and drinks. Since our food was provided at the wedding, we did not get to experience the indoor restaurant La Marea. However we had drinks from Sandbar and enjoyed an open bar outside Sol by the Sea, the beachside restaurant shown below. In addition to beachside dining there are also raised chairs and tables out in the water for an elevated dining experience at Sol by the Sea. You can find menus for all of the restaurant at this link.
If outdoor dining isn’t your desire or the Florida heat is too hot to handle head inside to La Marea. Located on the lower level right outside the lobby, La Marea offers both indoor and outdoor seating. Here you’ll be able to order breakfast or dinner while enjoying an inviting contemporary atmosphere. The menu includes traditional Mediterranean foods with a twist – think pizza, pasta and breads. Prices range from approximately $10-30 per menu item. Breakfast is about $15-20, appetizers are around $10 and dinner entrees range from $22-30.
Looking for a more social environment to get food and drinks? Head to Las Olas ceviche lounge right off to the side of the main lobby. This jazzy bar has more warm orange and brown tones. Here you’ll find couches and lounge chairs arranged to encourage socializing and a comfortable posh lounging experience. The Las Olas menu is Peruvian inspired with specialties of fish, citrus flavors and spices. Cocktails run $14-17 a piece and entrees are $16-25 each. Looking for a nightlife setting? Las Olas is a classic upscale bar and lounge. On the other hand Sol by the Sea is a more relaxed outdoor setting with drinks on the beach.
Last but certainly not least, how could I forget about the…
Drinks
Ok, let’s talk about the drinks at the resort. Since we came for a wedding most of the alcohol was provided (woohoo)! We tried a couple drinks at our own expense as well as the ones we were given. This beautiful bright pink cocktail was a close second to the strawberry daiquiri I mentioned a bit ago. The bride and groom’s specialty drink – a dragonfruit mojito! Because it was so beautiful, I almost didn’t want to drink it. I’m so glad I did though because it was delicious. Since it was a cocktail from the wedding, I am unsure if it is available at the restaurants/bars, but it never hurts to ask!
As mentioned earlier, the strawberry daiquiri from Sandbar was spectacular! You could not even taste the alcohol which is dangerous! The daiquiri was so darn good, I could’ve had a few – I mean just look how happy I was. But I stuck with just one. It’s the kind of drink that tastes like blended fruit juice – you wouldn’t even know there was alcohol in it. Gosh, I’m still thinking about it now. it was that good. If I ever go back, I certainly know what I’ll be getting. ๐น Here’s the talked-about drink… I can taste it now! Most cocktails run $14 each no matter where you order them from at the resort.
Lastly, Sol by the Sea offers a casual outdoor setting for sipping drinks on the beach. The string lights hanging above give you a serene feeling illuminating the beach for a laid-back yet exciting night of drinks and socializing. This is where we enjoyed an open bar and a reunion with friends the night before the wedding. And off to the side you’ll find steps into the shallow water to dip your feet in the warm water. The open air and open space right along the water is incomparable.
And that completes the tour of the Playa Largo Resort!
What would be your favorite part of the Playa Largo Resort? Let me know in the comments. If you loved this post, please share on Pinterest, Facebook and other social networks.
How to Style a Dress for Summer 2021
What’s your favorite piece to wear for the summer?
For me dresses are definitely toward to top of my list! As I’m sure you know, dresses are super popular for summer 2021. I’m a fan of all different kinds of dresses – floral, casual, maxi, tshirt and other styles. Today I’m going to show you how to style a dress for summer 2021 featuring my favorite casual tank dress from Pink Lily Boutique. And if you want additional spring/summer outfit ideas, be sure to check outย these 4 pieces you can wear for both spring AND summer!
๐ Here is the dress I am styling:ย Pink Lily Ribbed Tank Dress
=&0=&
Rosemary Beach & Panama City Beach Travel Guide
Hey there! Whether you’ve been to Rosemary Beach & Panama City Beach a million times, are planning a trip, or simply looking up destinations, welcome! I created this Rosemary Beach & Panama City Beach Travel Guide to help make your trip a litte easier. You’ll find a collection of travel photos along with suggestions on where to stay and where to go. If you have any questions please let me know in the comments. And if you’re looking for other travel guides, check outย these other guides. As always, please feel free to save and share these photos on Pinterest!
Each photo has a brief decription. Hover your mouse over each photo to read the caption.
Where we stayed – Carillon Beach Resort Inn
List of Birthday Offers and Rewards
Your birthday is coming up and you want to get all the goodies you can when it’s time. You can get anything from a discount on a purchase, a free drink, birthday rewards money or even a free entree! I’ve compiled this list of birthday offers and rewards from a bunch of different places to make sure you don’t miss out on a deal for your special day. ๐๐
*Please note that these are 2021 offers and may change in later years. To receive these birthday offers and rewards, make sure to sign up with these restaurtants/retailers with your email address. Most offers below are recieved through email or through the company’s app.
Food/Drink
Breakfast
Dunkin’: Free drink on your birthday through the Dunkin’ app
Einstein Bros Bagels: Free egg breakfast sandwich with purchase – Must order in app – good for 26 days from birthday
Starbucks: Free food or drink item of your choice – Good only on your birthday
Farmhouse Breakfast Sandwich from Einstein Bros Bagels
Lunch/Dinner
Arby’s: Free shake and small curly fry with sandwich purchase – show email offer to associate – good for 60 days from your birthday
Chick-fil-a: Free chocolate chunk cookie or fudge brownie – find offer in the CFA app – good for 1 month
Chilis: Free dessert – dine in or to go – Good for a week from your birthday
Firehouse Subs: Free medium sub – offer in the app, or give phone number in store – good for 6 days from your birthday
Jersey Mike’s Subs: Free birthday sub – reward points are given to use on a sub – no expiration date listed. Previously 1 year from birthday
McAlister’s Deli: Free cookie – offer in the app – dine in or to go – Good for 26 days from your birthday. Earn a free treat by signing up with my referral code “JackisRi6542”
Moe’s Southwest Grill: Free burrito – reward in the Moe’s app – good for 90 days from your birthday
On The Border: Free queso bowl with entree purchase – dine in or call in orders (show email) – no expiration?
Panera Bread: Free birthday pastry – Reward in app or provide phone number at cafe – Good for 1 week from your birthday
Sbarro: Free XL NY slice of pizza– coupon in email – good for 2 weeks from your birthday
Schlotzky’s: Free small sandwich with $1 purchase – in app or online with Rewards – good for 14 days from recieving (about 3 days before and 10 days after your birthday)
Tropical Smoothie Cafe: Ranges from $2 reward to free entree based on rewards tier
Zaxby’s: 3 free cookies (2021 offer) – reward in app – valid forย one month
Smoky Pepperjack Turkey & Ultimate Nachos with Heath Cookie from McAlister’s Deli
Specialty
Auntie Anne’s: Free pretzel – use app to redeem – Good for 14 days from receiving offer
Baskin’ Robins: Free birthday scoop – show coupon in email – good for 10 days from your birthday
Dippin’ Dots: Free small cup – Good for 30 days
Menchie’s Fro-yo: $5 reward to use on a cup of fro-yo – good for 14 days
Rita’s: Free small Itallian ice – coupon in email – good for one week from your birthday
Yogurtland Fro-Yo: Free 3 oz – 16 oz fro-yo depending on rewards level
Fro-yo creation from Yogurtland
Retailers
American Eagle & Aerie: 15% off a purchase – reward code in email – good for one month
Abercrombie: $10 off a purchase – good for about 25 days from your birthday
Express: $5 birthday cash – good for 30 days from your birthday
Kendra Scott: Get 50% off a single item during the month of your birthday. Show your license when you checkout.
Target Circle: 5% off a purchase – offer in the Target Circle app
TJ Maxx Rewards Card: Free shipping on online orders
Ulta: 2x points for birthday month and free gift of your choice
Victoria’s Secret: $10 reward and free panty for Angel Card holders – reward good for month of birthday, panty on birthday only
Elisa and Emilie Necklaces from Kendra Scott (Click the photo to shop)
I hope this list of birthday offers and rewards has been helpful to you. My wish is that you get to take full advantage of all of these offers and get a bunch of free food, sweet treats and a nice birthday gift for yourself. If you enjoyed this quick guide, be sure to check out my other guides for travel, shopping and more.
Did I miss a reward? Let me know in the comments below and I’ll add it to the list!
Four Pieces To Buy Now And Wear Later Too
It’s almost spring! To celebrate, I’m sharing four pieces to buy now and wear later too. As a blogger it’s difficult to find pieces to share that are available over a period of time. By the time you buy the item, recieve it in the mail, take the photos, and share on social media it’s sold out. Luckily these four items are available now and can be worn for both spring AND summer. They are perfect to wear for spring right now and can easily transition to summer later! Watch the video at the end for inspiration!
Floral Print Off Shoulder Blouse
I absolutely love this top! I love the pretty blue, beige and red-orange floral print and the loose, flowy ruffled bell sleeves. And I love that you can wear it two ways. Wear it off the shoulder with a straight neckline to cover your tummy, or wear it high on your shoulders as a crop top. Either way it looks so pretty! Fits TTS and stays up comfortably without falling.
FOR SPRING: Pair with light wash jeans, gold necklace, black belt and beige hat
FOR SUMMER: Pair with denim shorts, gold necklace and sandals
Lavender Lace Ruffle Dress
This gorgeous lilac dress is from Pink Lily Boutique. I love the pretty crochet lace details on the top with the fun ruffle skirt and tie in the back. This would be the perfect brunch or beach dress for the spring and summer. The color is pastel but still bright enough for both seasons. Also comes in peach and dusty blue colors! Fits TTS and length is about low thigh (for 5’5″ height).
FOR SPRING: Pair with a denim jacket and booties or wedges
FOR SUMMER: Wear alone with your favorite necklace and sandals. Add a straw bag as a fun accessory!
Light Blue Swiss Dot Romper
The light blue color of this romper is so pretty. And the swiss dot details make it so fun for spring and summer! It is lined inside so it’s not see-through, and has a snap closure for coverage on top. Also comes in a few other colors. Fits TTS comfortably with a little room for movement.
FOR SPRING: Pair with a blazer or jacket and tall boots or wedges
FOR SUMMER: Wear alone with fun jewelry, sandals and your favorite pair of sunglasses
White High Neck Crop Top
The quality of this crop top is amazing! It feels like it came from a luxurious high end atheltic shop. It’s incredibly soft and smooth and is double layered for opacity and comfort. The simplicity of this top makes it super easy to pair with outfits for both spring and summer. Choose from a variety of colors. Fits TTS and is super comfortable.
FOR SPRING: Pair with high waist jeans, cardigan and ankle booties
FOR SUMMER: Pair with denim shorts, a belt, and sandals
Watch this video for outfit inspiration!
The Growth of Fashion Bloggers and Influencers
As a fashion blogger and influencer, I have experienced the growth of fashion bloggers and influencers myself. I have been in this field for about 3 years now and the growth has been exponential! When I first started out I didn’t know what I was doing. I would share random photos of my shoes in the snow, or a photo of a dress that cropped my face off when posted on Instagram. Thank the Lord things have changed drastically since then!
These are some of the major changes I have seen over time as a blogger/influencer:
1. Photo content has improved
Taking photos (well… having photos taken of myself) has taught me a lot over the years. Before I started blogging, I did freelance modeling, so I have had ample time in front of the camera. Influencing and blogging is different than modeling though. As a blogger or influencer, people want to see real life, everyday poses and outfits. Instead of seeing a Vogue pose in an extravagant dress, people want to see you how you would be on a normal day. They want to know that you are like them and that the items you are sharing are attainable for them and fit into their lifestyle too!
A few important things to keep in mind when taking photos are lighting, frame and location or background. Always try to take your photos somewhere that has good lighting (is not dark or dim) and does not have harsh shadows. Dim lighting and harsh shadows can diminish the quality of the photo and make editing difficult. You also want to pay attention to the frame of the photo. If you’re taking a photo of yourself to share on Instagram, it’s important to leave space above your head. Why? When you post a typical photo on Instagram, the original photo is taller than the Instagram crop size. You don’t want to post a photo that shows your head half-way cut off when seen in your feed! Leaving extra room above your head prevents your photos from cropping your head in your feed. And lastly, be selective with your background or setting. If there is too much going on in the background (if it’s too “busy”) then the attention will be taken away from you, or what you are showcasing. Try to keep the background as simple as possible. There are exceptions however, for example, if you are a travel blogger and want to show off the location you are at.
2. A wider variety of people are becoming influencers
As influencer marketing becomes more and more successful, a lot of people are trying to get on board. When many people think of an “influencer” they think of a fashion blogger. But an influencer is not limited to someone who shares outfits. By definition, an influencer is someone who influences others to take action. For example, if an interior designer shared the perfect throw pillow and people bought it, she would be an influencer. The world of blogging and influencing is open to anyone! Coooks or chefs, interior designers, real estate, health and wellness, fitness, or fashion designers likeย House of Want with Olga Ferrera.
3. Influencer Marketing is becoming the largest form of advertising by brands
Have you ever seen someone on Instagram advertising a product they use? This is influencer marketing, and it is becoming the biggest form of advertising by major brands! Brands are realizing the connections influencers and bloggers have and their power to influence their audience with what they share. As a result, the growth of fashion bloggers and influencers is increasing every day, as well as other influencing niches. More brands and companies are choosing to work with influencers. 2020 was a major year for influencers and I suspect 2021 will be even bigger!
Influencing and blogging can be time consuming, difficult and stressful at times, but in my experience it is totally worth it to be able to do something you enjoy. There are so many successful bloggers and influencers today such as fashion and sports influencer Kelly Calhoun. If fashion and sports are your thing, check out her page to learn about how she became successful as an influencer. And if you’re thinking about starting as a blogger or influencer, now is the time! The first step is simply to start and the rest will come.
Thank you reading this quick post on the growth of fashion bloggers and influencers! I hope you found this helpful and informative. Are you an influencer or blogger yourself? I’d love to connect! Leave a comment below.