Friday's Five: 5 Ways To Wear Neon

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I'm sure you all are sick and tired of me talking about neon, but I can't help it! There are so many ways to wear this trend, but how do you wear it so it's not too much? I've pulled together five different photos of girls who I think nailed this trend. Each of them has done something specific to make their look work, and I've broken it down for you right here!

1. Tone down the loudness of this bright shirt and floral shorts combo by wearing a neutral sweater.
2. Add a pop of color with your accessories. Whether it be in your jewelry, shoes or purses, it's a fun and unexpected way to liven up a simple outfit.
3. Pair a long, neon skirt with a neutral top. This creates balance so the skirt isn't over powering, but still remains the focal point of your ensemble. 
4. Create contrast with black and neon. This is a bold, confident look that is kept classy and sophisticated with a trendy twist.
5. Pair two vibrant colors (solids, not patterns) together to achieve color blocking. Make sure the silhouette of the garment is simple.

{ Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 }

Mediterranean Couscous

When I was in Boston last month, my cousin made this amazing Mediterranean Couscous dish that she found on Pinterest! It's the perfect summer meal - very light, filling, and only takes fifteen minutes to make! Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1 (32 Ounce) Container Chicken Stock
• 1 Cup Mediterranean (Israeli) Couscous
• 1 Cup Diced Roasted Red Pepper 
• 1 Cup Coarsely Chopped Arugula
• 1 Tbsp Finely Chopped Fresh Basil
• 1 Cup Diced Fresh Mozzarella Cheese
• 1 Tsp Kosher Salt
• 1 Tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• 1 Clove Garlic, minced
• 1 Lemon Zest & Juice

Directions:

1. Bring the chicken stock to a boil in a medium sized saucepan. Stir in the couscous and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for five minutes. Drain couscous and transfer to a large bowl.

2. Stir the red pepper, arugula, basil, mozzarella cheese, salt, pepper, garlic, and lemon into the bowl with the couscous. Serve warm or chilled!

BaubleBar

I believe that jewelry is the finishing touch to any outfit. Without it, your look isn't complete. I spend a lot of time searching for the perfect piece of jewelry, but once I discovered BaubleBar I haven't had to search anywhere else. They have a wide range of pieces that fit every style and occasion. The best part, however, is that everything is of the highest quality and is reasonably priced so our bank accounts don't suffer! This is a website that has really taken things to a new level. At BaubleBar, something new is happening every day of the week. On Mondays and Wednesdays, a new collection is introduced based on a theme that is selected by the fashion team every month. On Tuesdays, BaubleBar's Facebook fans choose their favorite new arrivals to unlock a special treat. On Thursdays, a designer is featured with an exclusive limited collection, and on Fridays, one item is marked down to only $10. As if that isn't enough, every month BaubleBar introduces a set that consists of pieces (including shoes) that complete a full look for $50. Whatever it is that you're looking for, you will find it. Trust me when I say that you will be adding more than just one necklace to your shopping cart. I have six items in mine right now!

Dog Eared Pages

I take the train into the city every day and read to pass the time. My sister is an avid reader and has a massive collection of books. She was kind enough let me borrow them; however, when I returned them, she refused to lend me another one. Supposedly, I ruin her books by bending the pages. So, I am using her as inspiration and am officially naming my book reviews "Dog Eared Pages." With that said, here is my review on Kathryn Sockett's, The Help.  

The Help takes place in Jackson, Mississippi when segregation was considered normal. The story is told by three people: Aibileen, the African-American nanny who has raised seventeen white children in her lifetime, Eugenia 'Skeeter' Phelan, the college graduate who finds the racism unacceptable, and Minny Jackson, Aibileen's best friend and maid who has a reputation of giving her white employers an attitude. The story revolves around Skeeter's idea to write a book about what it's really like to live in Jackson as a maid. She interviews Aibileen and Minny, and soon after, many other maids, about their experiences of taking care of white families. Along the way, these women form a close relationship that must be kept private, or else they face serious punishment. Stockett creates this story in a way that connects each character with the other. They are strong, bold, funny women who come together to fight for what is right.

Hot (And Sweaty) Yoga

I am always looking for new ways to exercise, and this week I tried Hot Yoga. Hot Yoga, also known as Bikram Yoga, consists of a series of 26 postures and two breathing exercises, which are all performed in a room heated to 105 degrees with a humidity of 40%. If you're thinking this sounds intense, you're right. But when there's a rhyme, there's a reason. The heat increases circulation and restores health to every muscle, joint, and organ of the body, thus preventing heart disease and organ failure. If it's your first time going to a class, make sure to keep a bottle of water with you so you can stay hydrated. Also, do not eat at least two hours before the class. I know it may be nerve racking, but as long as you stay hydrated you'll be just fine. After one session, I was hooked and can't wait to go back!