My Favorite Things for April

My April has been a whirlwind so far! New opportunities are popping up like daises, and I have been running around like a chicken with its head cut off. On top of that I'm transitioning my closet from winter to summer. Here are my favorite things, both old and new for April.

1. J. Crew // Anya Ballet Flat

These flats are so comfortable! They actually have a sole, unlike many other flats I own, so they offer more support. I bought my first pair at J. Crew Factory last spring and they are so affordable I can't wait to add another pair to my collection.

2. J. Crew // Two Pocket Chambray Shirt

At the same time I purchased my Anya flats I also bought this chambray shirt. At first I wan't sure what to wear it with, but I found that I ended up with colored denim, chino shorts, skirts, leggings etc. If you don't own a chambray or denim shirt I highly recommend picking one up this spring! There are cuts and washes for everyone.

3. Yurbuds // Boston Special Edition

Yurbuds are great headphones for running or just everyday. In support of the survivors of the events at the 2013 Boston Marathon, they are donating 10% of the proceeds from their Boston Special edition headphones to the Challenged Athletes Foundation, a non-profit organization that has been helping those injured in the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings "through events, run clinics, grants for adaptive equipment." 

4. Mission // Blister Armour

New shoes sometimes mean new blisters. I have terrible feet, probably from years of sport. I find that Mission Blister Armour prevents them especially on my heels. If I do get a blister, putting a little of this on top of the bandaid keeps the shoe from catching on it.

5. Essie // Butler Please

I love to wear this color in the summer when I'm tan. Its a bright, warm royal blue that can be edgy or preppy. It is on my toes right now! I can't wait to try it out with a matte top coat.

My Essentials for Celebrating St. Patrick's Day in Boston

This year will mark the first St. Patrick's day I will celebrate in Boston. Even though I'm only Irish on March 17, I still plan to take part in the all-day festivities. Around here St. Patty's is a marathon not a sprint. Here are a few things that will help me cross the finish line.

1. Target - Merona Cross Body Bag

Whenever I'm going to a festival or a concert I like to use a cross body bag. I can keep my things close and use both of my hands. I like this bag from Target because it is cute, yet inexpensive enough that if it gets damaged it's not the end of the world.

2. Patagonia Re-Tool Snap-T Fleece in Aloe Green

This fleece is soft, warm and green. I can't remember a St. Patrick's day when I didn't need a jacket. This fleece is the perfect weight for mid-March and you can't beat that color.

3. Vineyard Vines - Everyday Should Feel This Good Koozie

St. Patty's Day means there will be drinking. My southern education and experience have taught me that I would rather not hold a cold wet can. Koozies are essential.

4. Dunkin Donuts - Bacon, Egg and Cheese Bagel

Many people skip breakfast, but if you are planning to celebrate St. Patrick all day you can't afford to skip. Breakfast sandwiches are a perfect way to avoid doing Irish Yoga in the middle of the day.

5. Lilly Pulitzer - iPhone 5 Mobile Charger in Spa Blue Lobster Roll

Mobile chargers are a must have when you are running around during an event-filled day. Finding friends, getting cell service and taking pictures all take a toll on your phone's battery life. A backup battery will allow you to recharge your phone without being tied to an outlet.

6. L.L. Bean - Rubber Moc in Green Tea

Crowds are dirty and gross on their own. Add some slush and mud and you're walking through some nasty stuff. These mocs will keep your feet dry and the green color gets you into the St. Patty's day spirit.

7. Incipio - Stashback in Pink and Blue

This is my favorite phone case. I can keep my ID a credit card and my Charlie Card in it so I don't need my wallet. Sometimes the card readers can read your Charlie Card through the case which is really convenient. This case also works with a mobile charger.

Two of My Favorite Apps and Websites for Achieving My Goals

I don't believe in New Year's resolutions. They are forced and thats probably why they don't last. They also make the gyms so crowded and that sucks. I set my goals in December and follow a few guidelines:

• I choose goals that are attainable an specific.
• I write the goal clearly on a piece of paper and put it somewhere it can be seen frequently.
• I tell a bunch of my friends about my goals so I am accountable to others (and it gives a little added pressure).

Some of my current goals are: to learn french, improve my coding skills, and blog more consistently. Here are two of the apps and websites I am using to accomplish my goals. 

I came to this website with a basic knowledge of HTML and CSS coding. I am taking the HTML/CSS course again as a refresher, but they also offer courses in jQuery, JavaScript, PHP, Python and Ruby. They also offer various coding projects that you can work on.

So far the course is good and laying down the fundamentals and it feels more like a game (you get badges and awards!). A one hour basic HTML course is also offered in app form.

J'apprends parler français. (I am learning to speak french). If Duolingo had been used in my French, Spanish and German classes in high school and college I would know French, Spanish and German. Duolingo makes the learning process so much easier. Its also free, yay, and available online and on your phone/tablet. Best of all you can get scolded by a tracksuit-wearing owl in Spanish, English, French, German, Portuguese and Italian.