pumpkin treat

Source: blogs.babble.com via Alyssa on Pinterest

here's an amazing recipe that i tried making this past weekend. i picked my latest craving, everything pumpkin and incorporated it with what i also always crave... desserts! while browsing along pinterest, i found this recipe and it looked so amazing. after a late night drive to the grocery store, i whipped together some of this pumpkin frozen yogurt. it was so delicious i made two batches :)  

recipe from : blogs.babble.com

best,
alyssa

p.s. i didn't have any of my own pictures because i ate the pumpkin frozen yogurt out of the mixing bowl it was so good!

FNO inspiration

happy fashion night out!
here's my greatest fall inspirations. so excited for great clothes, beautiful accessories, and cooler weather.
cheers.

Source: fashionsalade.com via Alyssa on Pinterest

Source: dailycupofcouture.blogspot.com via Alyssa on Pinterest

Source: thevoguediaries.com via Alyssa on Pinterest

Source: emersonmade.com via Alyssa on Pinterest

Source: blog.shopnastygal.com via Alyssa on Pinterest

Source: atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com via Alyssa on Pinterest

Source: tumblr.com via Alyssa on Pinterest

i just can't wait.


best,
alyssa

school wants and needs

back to school wants:

- new book bag, ideally a larger everyday purse
- new jeans, skinnies, indigo to dark wash
- a gold runway michael kors watch
- more tops, cardigans, and a cute cropped jacket

back to school needs:

- a larger or more organized planner. my kate spade desk calender is just not kickin' it anymore.
- calming music, treasures that are not on the everyday radio
- mac cosmetics pro-longwear lipcreme lipstick, the accessory i now cannot live without

i chose for back to school to get the nordstrom's bp. 'runway' boot ... basically, in my opinion it's an updated version of the steve madden intyce boots i owned and wore in previous posts. they've seen their days and most likely will not be seeing day light until the next rodeo. but for now, i invested in the bp. runway boot from nordstrom's. a perfect staple piece for fall.

being that i am beginning my fifth year of college, it's technically my last time to enjoy the fall "back to school" shopping. the huge problem being that i have expenses which include wanting  to redecorate our bedroom. roughly about three more weeks until school starts back up and we move into a master bedroom. still writing down ideas and collecting pictures for bedroom ideas. look forward to before and after pictures in the months to come!


as for now, check out my boards on pinterest here! au revoir!

best,
alyssa

countdown to back to school

i am so over thinking about all the cute stuff i want. working at a place you love with girls that have larger shopping addictions than i do is quite the problem. as school is beginning exactly one month from today, i am getting more excited for the fall weather than ever before. i mean, it's such a good excuse to buy new clothes. the classic pieces are the best investments and basics like button ups or jeggings can be found at lower prices at stores like h&m and forever21. but for us label snobs, we can pick or choose between what we can fit into our budgets. today i'm going to be back to school shopping with a close friend. there's nothing more exciting than going to the mall when i don't have to!

Classic Every Day by choosewant_need featuring low rise skinny jeans

happy shopping!

best,
alyssa

Shirts blouse
hfm.co.jp

Citizens of Humanity low rise skinny jeans
$200 - net-a-porter.com

Steve Madden flat sandals
$90 - heels.com

MICHAEL Michael Kors leather tote bag
$448- michaelkors.com

MICHAEL Michael Kors michael kors watch
$250 - nordstrom.com

a day off equals a day back

more than not, my mind has been in more places than one. to unwind and not get all worked up by the daily stresses of life, i've decided to continue with my love of pinning on pinterest. with the a busy summer of a new job, an amazing boyfriend, loving family my life has never felt so scattered, yet so at home all at the same time.

with all the excitement of finally moving into a master bedroom with a much bigger closet and bathroom, my home decorating skills are going to be tested. i mostly just wanted to share my inspirations with everyone on here.  keeping in mind the man in my life wants a dark room and i want a all white, he is the yin to my yang. lol.. or the other way around.

Source: weheartit.com via Alyssa on Pinterest

Source: decorpad.com via Alyssa on Pinterest

Source: oh-whatfun.blogspot.com via Alyssa on Pinterest

Source: thingsthatinspire.net via Alyssa on Pinterest

Source: homegoods.com via Alyssa on Pinterest

Source: apartmenttherapy.com via Alyssa on Pinterest

beiges and ivorys with slight pops of color tend to be my favorites. please share your opinion!


i'd like to say thank you to all those who have been so supportive to me in these last couple of months. rough times are much easier to go through when you choose to be around those you love.

best,
alyssa

dead week

i've already stated about a million times to everyone that this next two weeks are uber busy. with finals and my new job, i am completely overwhelmed but i have managed to come out with one tidbit of advice for dead week before finals.

a venti iced coffee and morning bun from starbucks have been my breakfast and will continue to be for the rest of the week. getting showered and dressed for the day first thing at 6:45 am will make you feel more productive. so far these two things have gotten me to feel somewhat accomplished with my day.

sadly, i will not be able to blog for the rest of the week, but am hoping to be back and running on may 20th. until then follow me on twitter. my status updates on facebook and my tweets will be live proof of how insanely busy i am.

best,
alyssa

p.s. dave matthews playlist on pandora is my life right now. strongly recommended :)

the top 10 birthday wish list

with my birthday less than a month a way, i have quite the wish list that has built up.


1. Kitchen Aid Artisan Stand Mixer, a great baking cook book to go with it, a cake stand, other baking tools!
2. Nikon Camera, i need to do further research on what would be a great professional beginner camera that is digital.. i am thinking of a Nikon COOLPIX p500
3. Michal Kors Large Hamilton Bag in luggage
4. a spa day, but of course... who wouldn't want a spa day.
5. Kate Spade Daycation Medium Leila
6. Kate Spade "say yes 'smile' necklace"
7. Steve Madden Westii in black
8. Steve Madden Caryssa in blush pat
8. essie nailpolish  in French Affair
9. mac cosmetics lipstick in speak louder
10. victoria's secret gift card.. an amazing idea, no one can ever have enough undies:)

i would also enjoy a breakfast brunch including omelets, waffles, fresh fruit and mimosas. for dinner i would like mexican food of course, with a giant strawberry margarita. oh, i can't wait to celebrate.


best,
alyssa

p.s. oh, a weekend get-a-way would  be nice too! of course i hope i am not asking for too much. i just want everything.

a royal party

i was honored to be invited to caren templet's "eat drink i do" party at lounge on 20 in sacramento. in celebration of the royal wedding and caren templet's new spring collection, there was more than enough to gush and swoon over. everyone there had great sense of fashion and it was so nice to chat with other young women who appreciate the beautiful pieces by caren templet. after being introduced to caren, i got to try some fabulous girly drinks and socialize with some hard working young women about great ideal pieces for spring. more than often than not, pastel colored blazers, as well as neutrals were the main topic of conversation. babydoll and empire waist inspired dresses were also on many of the girls' want lists. i'm bummed to announce that i had forgotten my camera at the house. luckily, i have an ever so sweet boyfriend that used his camera phone to capture some of the evening.

the wonderful and amazing caren templet.

the models with their gorgeous crowns on in honor of the royal wedding of course. also pictured is myself and maria (caren templet's assistant).

choose to put together a last minute outfit with all of your most favorite stuff.
want all the outfits pictured on the models above, as well as caren's dress!
need to focus on finals this week and my new job which will be announced via facebook this evening.


best,
alyssa

my new job is amazing and i got wardrobed some amazing stuff. so long to juicy couture and welcome to the world of...? find out on thursday where i am headed. to find out as soon as tomorrow follow me at choosewant_need on twitter!

dress for twenty two

New Look - from H&M

Products in this look: www.hm.comDress

<>pretty sure i just found my birthday dress. my last year's dress looks very similar to this one, but in a neon orange highlighter color.

other options include the ones below. more so based on the fact i do not have any concrete plans. anyone have any ideas? good night life in sacramento? please let me know. i am ready for something new. i only turn twenty two once.

New Look - from H&M

http://www.hm.com/us/s/009JF9

Products in this look:

Dresswww.hm.com

New Look - from H&M

http://www.hm.com/us/s/006WJJ

Products in this look:

Dresswww.hm.com

now i need to choose  between a low key birthday or a big bash celebration. of course it does not matter to me either way as long as everyone i love is there, that is all i truly want.
best,
alyssa

p.s. what shoes or accessories would you all pair with these outfits? would you keep it simple, or accessorize like crazy? what are some fun hair ideas? all ideas to come.

breaking it up

i'm not a huge fan of belts. i love them on other people, but find myself being very picky when it comes to adding one to an outfit of my own. when i dug out this belt from my closet before, i decided to keep it out in plain sight to make sure i would make myself wear it again differently. belting a maxi dress with my own belt, made me feel better in a sense that i could place the belt where it made me feel most comfortable. before i used to be much more hesitant in purchasing any outfit that was "pre-belted." dresses that come with a belt attached do not always hit our greatest point and can definitely make an outfit not very flattering.  i also am not a fan of mixing brown and black, but hey.. why not step out of the comfort zone every once in awhile?

maxi dress from target($14)/ belt from hollister

photography done by adam chandler, thanks adam!

best,
alyssa

crazy print crop top

i love crazy prints, crop tops and neutral colors. a main reason for the purchase of this top. a higher waisted pant is a perfect way for those who might be afraid of the crop top to make the first step to wearing it confidently. another way is to layer it with a solid tank or cami under neath. with this outfit i choose to spend more on the top i wanted, and spent much less on the basic skinnies i need and love.

i got to work on this test shoot (last minute) yesterday with my photographer friend, adam chandler. he's a great photographer and i appreciate his patience with me (being that i am not a model). i can't wait to work with him again on a day that the weather wants to work with my hair. hope you enjoy the outfit! a remix is predicted in the future as it gets warmer.



top: h.i.p. woven tee from nordstroms bp ($28)/ skinnies: from forever21 ($10.50)/ bangle: from h&m ($3.50)/
flats: merona from target ($20)

 this was merely our first shoot, and i hope to work with adam much more in the near future.

location: carmichael, ca
photographed by adam chandler


best,
alyssa

typical cali girl beauty

sometimes we think of the stereotypical "cali girl" of having perfect sun kissed blonde hair, tan skin, white teeth, perfect body, etc., etc. this can make any girl a bit angry and bitter on the inside. i notice so much diversity here on the csu sacramento campus, and oh, how i love it. however, i also notice so many girls going for the typical look as summer approaches. but how do we find time for keeping up with all these standards?

making time to shower and do my hair is already something i have to pencil into my schedule. i know when i wake up that if i don't drag myself to the gym first thing, i will find myself in sweats until the very hour before i have to head off to work. luckily, as students of csu sacramento, us college girls are blessed with a free gym membership (if free is tuition). college girls are constantly on a budget of balancing their wants and needs. one criteria of beauty for myself that i have been trying to meet, is that i have been trying to find the time to tan at a low price. a healthy glow is a faux glow, which usually costs more money. so before i go on a whole other tangent on why i feel more beautiful with a sun kissed look, i do just want to make the point that fitting all this beauty into a time constraint and a tighter budget is not completely unrealistic. taking the time to compare prices, prioritizing our spending and

at a solid 17 units this spring semester, a job and the need for a social life, how am i supposed to make time for all of the extracurricular activities in life to make me "beautiful"? time management and budgeting my money is the only way. beauty is pain, a common quote. i have a love/hate relationship with my busy schedule, yet it keeps me feeling beautiful. i am constantly making time and prioritizing my schedule based on beauty, schoolwork, work and life experiences. now i realize many jaws most likely are dropped at this point. one may be thinking, "whatever happened to the 'beauty within?"

i'm a firm believer in beauty coming from confidence. it makes perfect sense. my way of gaining confidence within myself is by not only sticking to my moral values and working my hardest, but looking good can only embellish on the "feel good." working out, tanning, and getting my hair or nails done makes me feel good, they are things i want. so people out there, feel free to judge. i choose my own lifestyle and have my own wants, as well as needs to have great confidence.


best,
alyssa

p.s. a great thing to be in life, is to be yourself.

ombre

this hair color that is hot right now. i am so in love and am aiming to have hair as beautiful as this by the end of may. hopefully all goes well!

realistically, i would like to keep my bangs. so the first picture strongly represents my hair color that i am hoping to reach. the second picture represents how much volume in hair i have. haha. and the third picture was a good representation of the cut and style i tend to go for.


i hope everyone is having a lovely day. choose to enjoy the sunshine, want to be there for others, and need to prepare yourself for the worst.


best,
alyssa

pampering with beauty

quick tid bit of information for all you girls in the local area of sacramento, ca.
i asked several of my coworkers yesterday for last minute places to get my hair cut, colored, and styled. i had a business meeting today and wanted to look a bit refreshed. after purchasing a large amount of crucial and beautiful makeup from bare escentuals, i decided a new "do" was also in need. as a young, busy, working woman... as well as a student, it is always good to treat yourself in smart way. looking put together is very important, especially for a first impression in the business world.

bare escentuals has great makeup that lasts longer than most department store makeup. the investment in a higher ticket price is well worth it when your makeup can last 3x longer. plus, how could any girl resist any of the adorable colors and product in that store. i found myself consistently humming along to the music as i got the royal treatment. a great brand!

after calling several different places for a last minute appointment for today, i got in at spanish fly hair garage. i was excited simply because of the quirky name. i was recommended by a coworker to ask for her lady, and she just happened to be unavailable. i got set up with jenae and she was absolutely lovely. not only did i love the ambiance of the entire salon, it was low key and felt very luxurious at the same time. i felt bad for putting the pressure on jenae, since i was on a bit of a time crunch. jenae definitely pulled through and i would reccommend her to all my gal pals, or any guys out there looking for a cut. overall, i loved my experience there and even though i had two hurtful inches of dead ends to cut off, i love the cut and color of my hair. jenae even took the time to quickly teach me how to do beach waves with the curling iron as she was being rushed to do it. like them on facebook to follow along for upcoming events, and let them know alyssa from choosewant&need sent you over there :)


best,
alyssa

p.s. for those who are awaiting the fashion forward business dress blog, it is coming.. soon. i promise. waiting for a time to shoot with an amazing photographer from sac state.

take time to smell the flowers

so even with my jam packed schedule, i had such an amazing night last night. being motivated and inspired is not only something i choose to be, it is something we all need. i went to the American Marketing Association Round Table Event at sac state, and met some of the most inspiring and motivating people i have ever met. besides wanting to be more involved in my marketing major, i am realizing we all need to find the passion within the careers we are looking for. there are so many people i want to thank for helping open doors to opportunities that await for me.
i found many commonalities with my friend chelsie at the event. it's so neat to find a common ground of motivation and want for a career in a field we are passionate about. chelsie and her mother make beautiful flower arrangements for weddings and have opened my eyes to a lost hobby of mine i would love to take up. check out and follow chelsie's blog here: jackie's flowers

i am choosing to focus on school and career opportunities this week.
i need to borrow my mother's camera to take some great picture's of different styles i have seen lately.
i want to get a camera like my mother's and conquer the world. no big deal.


best,
alyssa

neglecting, yet inspiring

i have now neglected choosewant&need more days than not :(
with my busy schedule and a new changes in my life, i have been unable to figure out the best way possible to fit blogging into my schedule. it also does not help that i have a whole bunch of a lotta midterms, essays and projects due this last week and the week approaching. besides all the excuses, i am going to keep being inspired by the little things in life and continue taking mental notes on the future blogs to come. i would much rather give you all a fully dedicated blog than one that was not whole- hearted.

my pintrest has been keeping me inspired. here are some amazing pictures that have kept me wanting to rearrange, redecorate, and pack up for travel.

i love this cozy knit look.

love the framed pictures, love the centerpiece on this table, love the light.

if i could have my very own laundry room, it would look like this.

love the mix and match print, the flowers, the lights and love the framed pictures once again!

now for travel, will summer please get here so i escape reality.

city red

nautical stripes

cali shorts and blazer

ruffle top, cardi and flared jeans. bold choice for me, but i love it.

summer is coming soon. i keep telling myself all i want is to pause and fast forward time at the same time.

best,

alyssa

sunday dress

this horrible weather has got me dreaming of spring non-stop. i have also come up with an endless list of wants. all bad. here's one of them. and after i try it on for size and fit, i just may be going home with it.

jackson check dress by juicy couture

warm weather and sunshine, please get here quick. this rain is really putting a damper on my good mood!

best,
alyssa

rainy day tunes

music and style go hand in hand. i definitely feel like i dress my mood, as anyone else should. with your mood comes your preference of music choice as well as your choice in clothing. here are some songs that make a rainy day better. a play list of some over popular, and under played songs. this is play list songs that would be a perfect mix for myself to listen to on those rainy days. keep in mind, this is no particular order, just the order it popped into my head.

Adele- Rolling in the Deep

Kanye West- Runaway (a great song that makes me feel like i am venting my life as a whole)

The Cataracs feat. DEV- Top of the World (viewer/ listener's discretion)... more party music later, basically dev and the cataracs make my life :)

Brad Paisley- I'm Still a Guy (only because it's a country song every "guy" can appreciate, even if he doesn't like country music)

Brett Dennen- Ain't No Reason

Pete Murrary- Opportunity

The Beautiful Girls- La Mar

Florence and the Machine- The Dog Days are Over


as of right now.. i do have to say, i like being unpredictable. the songs i chose are still not enough to describe everything i am feeling and going through in life. just a beginning, a new one.

best,
alyssa

p.s. i wish i had video links with captions to all the songs!

well needed



i basically have the best mother in the world. i love quality time with family and friends, and when it comes to a trip to the nail salon, no one can be a better date than my mommy. we chose to go on a great morning walk, as well as doing some easy stretches and workouts all while the sun was still shining. the hail and rain hit us pretty hard today as we proceeded on with our day. no matter rain or shine, we wanted our starbucks and, oh my it was amazing. we headed out to brookside nails in our matching juicy velour track pants. i don't care how cheesy one may think we are, mother- daughter quality time is well needed.

my beautiful mama- tank: jockey at kohls, hoodie and pant: juicy couture velour tacksuit in black
me- tank: basically juicy by juicy couture, off the shoulder top: american eagle (NEW!), pants: juicy couture velour in black, headband: claires

 

my newest purchase of sunglasses: "romance" by juicy couture

perfect for hiding freshly waxed eyebrows.



overall, today was well needed. this past weekend was fun filled and relaxing, even with work conflicting my schedule. i was able to eat more sushi than i ever thought i could handle, as well as topping the weekend off with my favorite candy, milkduds and in and out burger for dinner. (yes, with a neapolitan shake.) definitely treated myself all weekend with things i want, yet tomorrow i focus on the needs. oil change and target, here i come.

also, looking forward to a hair color change. we'll see if i go for a dramatic change or something that will be hardly noticeable.

best,

alyssa

better than green beer

everyone who knows me, knows i am not a huge fan of produce. the slightest unexpected piece of lettuce in my food can easily make me gag. however, a good green salad can still bring a smile to my face. i am thoroughly obsessed with recipe ideas right now, and want to make the time to make everything. green food is slowly growing on me, and eating healthy is an attractive idea.

at first i was on a hunt for cute st. patty's clothes, but then i thought of all the great food that has some st. patty's day inspiration. choose to enjoy these simple recipes, i too hope to try them all sometime soon.



coconut lime crusted fish
thanks to onehungrymama.com

 


corned beef, of course.
thanks to simplerecipes.com




charolette tolhurst's egg sandwich
thanks to designspongeonline.com




chocolate covered kiwi, perfect dessert.
thanks to cutestfood.com




green onion and goat cheese mini muffins.
thanks to seddy5.typepad.com




tuna and avacadobbq kabobs.
thanks to en.julskintchen.com




zucchini walnut bread.
thanks to fussfreecooking.com

 so excited to eat, drink and celebrate with friends today. everyone needs some random celebration in their lives. began last night with close friends and can't wait to continue on today.

best,
alyssa

p.s. happy st. patrick's day!