#CoffeeTalk

What are your favorite places to shop for inexpensive bikinis? You always have the cutest ones and never wear the same one twice!

I’m so bad about wearing swimsuits multiple times, so when it comes to purchasing them – I really don’t wanna spend more than $30 each. I always find what I’m looking for on Amazon, Zaful, PrettyLittleThing, ASOS and Cupshe. Amazon, Zaful and Cupshe are the least expensive and the quality isn’t the best, but for a basic one-time wear swimsuit, they’re my favorites. Pretty Little Thing and ASOS can be more expensive, but you can guarantee they’re likely more flattering.

How did you get started in the gym? I want to start my fitness journey but I have no idea what workouts to do or where to begin.

I started my fitness journey pretty randomly – read about it here. I didn’t know a thing about what I should’ve been doing, or whether or not I was doing them currently. I was already pretty slim and it still took me months to see any sort of change on my body. Likely because I wasn’t doing the exercises correctly. Learning my form was the most crucial part of learning how to effectively target my muscles. Surprisingly, fitness accounts on Instagram taught me quite a bit about fitness, form and results. My favorite accounts are @Krissycela, @stef_fit, and @getfitwithmassi – they are really detailed with their workout details. Focus on what you want to change or enhance and do the research figure out the best way to target your glutes, core, arms, or thighs. The more you workout the more it’ll begin to feel natural to you!

I’m struggling so badly with saving money. What is your advice for beginners?

When I first started saving money, I would get paid, pay whatever bills were due and then take $200 cash out of my account and drive it over to a credit union up the street where I held a completely separate savings account. Looking back, it took $200 so long to accumulate! But, it was rewarding as I watched it gain a comma and then grow from there. You need to commit to an amount each check that you’re not going to touch, instantly take it out of your account and move it elsewhere.

I’m really wanting to jump on the “belt bag” bandwagon. Can you link some cute ones under $200?

I’ve gotten two from Nordstrom and have yet to wear them! I always grab my big ol’ purse and walk out the door. Here are some really cute and inexpensive ones worth buying!

Which coffee machine do you use at home? Also, which coffees are your favorite? I can tell you love your coffee and I appreciate that you’re particular about what you love.

Girlllll. LOL! I can talk about coffee all day. It’s literally my favorite time spent at home whether in the evenings or weekend mornings. I gave my Keurig up, but still recommend it for anyone who desires a simple cup of coffee. I ended up purchasing this Nespresso machine (found on major sale) and was instantly obsessed. The flavor easily beats what you get with the Keurig if coffee is a flavor you actually enjoy and the frothy top makes your cup of coffee so much fancier than before. My favorite pods for the Nespresso are Stormio, Odacio and Meladio. People complain because they can’t buy the capsules in the grocery store, but I buy them here in packs of 10. I also have this drawer to store the capsules and am in love with how chic it looks in my kitchen. Most recently, I got a french press and ohmygod, it’s the simplest yet most enjoyable way to enjoy a cup of coffee. I had no idea a fixture so simple could make the perfect cup of coffee. With my french press, I use Cafe Santo Domingo (so good I almost cry at the first sip) or Cafe Bustelo, my childhood fave. Cafe Bustelo is also sold in K-Kups for those of you wanting to try it!

What’s the best relationship advice you give to someone with a potential crush who has a fear of commitment? I’m so quick to dismiss people but he’s a solid guy!

I was the EXACT same way. Let’s just say, had I gone that route with Nate, I wouldn’t have found a fiance. Commitment was my worst fear and even with amazing people, I’d be looking for a way out. I’d successfully dodged a committed relationship for about 4 years. Luckily, Nate was direct and very upfront about what he wanted. Also, I enjoyed him so much I didn’t mind us growing closer. I never verbally agreed to be with him, but in my mind I was committed and we went from there. My advice is to just be open. You’ll know when it feels different. Being cautious is OK, but believe me – solid men are hard to come by. Give him a genuine chance. If the shoe doesn’t fit, then that’s one thing. But don’t miss out on your happily ever after because you’ve developed a pattern of dismissing people.

Everyone has a Gucci belt, but I just can’t see myself splurging in that way. Do you have any other statement belts you suggest?

For sure! Don’t feel compelled to give in to that trend just because you’re seeing them on everyone. Here are some options in a few different price ranges –

How do you keep your corporate and personal life organized? Do you prefer a digital or traditional paper organizer?

Honestly, I am the WORST about this. I have a spiral notebook at work that I use for notes and creating to-do lists, and also sync my work calendar with my phone – but I could be a lot more organized honestly. When I was keeping planners, I felt like organizing my time in them was actually taking more time than , just completing the tasks. So now, I make a quick note and get to work on what needs to be done. And who’s carrying around a planner at all times anyway? As far as my personal life, I’ve become much more lenient about what I HAVE to do these days, because at the end of the day – I’m the boss. If I’m not a deadline, I do what I can with the time that I have and save the rest for another day. I use my  “notes” in my iPhone more than anything else to jot down quick lists of what needs to be taken care of the next day. I’ve heard amazing things about this gratitude journal, as well as this journal that’s meant to help with time management. This planner is said to simplify your days to make you more productive, so it may be worth a try!

Thank you guys for the #CoffeeTalk questions! As always, submit questions for the next round below or via email. Have a great weekend! xx