LAUREN ALEXANDRA

100th Day of School!

February 11, 2020February 11, 2020 laurenalexandra

Today we celebrated the 100th Day of School and it was so much fun! As students arrived, they each came up with one way to make 100 and recorded it on our chart.

We started our morning with rotating centers along with the other 3rd/4th grade class. Students compared our classroom with a classroom from 100 years ago, played games, made mandalas with 100 pattern blocks, and even did 100 squats. For snack time, when we finished eating, we went outside and completed 10 laps around the field to represent 100 divided by 10.

Throughout the rest of the day, we tried to find groupings of 10 and other various patterns that make 100. The countdown to the end of the year begins! Only 72 more days until summer break!

100th Day of School Teacher Outfit

100 Days Y’all Tee

Golden Goose Dupes

Beauty

Hair Extensions

January 31, 2020January 31, 2020 laurenalexandra

I’ve always been interested in thicker longer hair. (I mean, who isn’t??) In high school, I used clip in extensions, but felt the process of putting them in and taking them out was too time consuming for the amount of time I would be able wear them. They were thin and I had a hard time concealing the clips. Recently, I pulled them out from under the depths of the bathroom cabinet. I reluctantly put a few in. With the look of disappointment still on my face, I started the rabbit hole internet search. Over the course of the next month or so, I did a ton of research. I had so many questions, so I decided to reach out to my stylist. She recommended the tape in method by Babe Hair Extensions.

Babe Tape in Hair Extensions are one of the top brands on the market. Here are some fast facts:

Application time: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Medical grade adhesive that is designed for hair
May be reused up to 3 times
Lasts 3 to 6 months with proper care
Available in 14″ straight, 18″ straight, and 22″ straight
34 colors to choose from-
Seamless Finish

They come with 10 pieces in a pack. We ordered 4 packs and had 8 pieces left over. For the color, we blended “Patsy” and “Caroline”.

When I was ready, my stylist placed the order and we scheduled my appointment. About a week later, I had a whole new head of hair! The entire process was quick and simple. I was little nervous, but with each new piece added in, I felt less anxious and more excited. By the time we were finished, I was mind blown. The quality was outstanding.

I highly recommend this brand! They are easy to style, lightweight, and look so natural! 10/10!

Food

My Field to Table Experience: Deer Hunt to Grilled Venison Backstraps

January 26, 2020January 26, 2020 laurenalexandra

Taking Responsibility for the Meat I Eat

I know we’ve all thought about it at one time or another: Where did this meat on my plate come from? In the times of early man, if you wanted a meal, you gathered it yourself. If you wanted beans, you scavenged for beans. If you wanted meat, you hunted an animal. Today, if you want a meal, you order it on an app, drive up to a window, or walk up to a counter. You may say, “Well I cook my own meals. I buy organic groceries. I check the labels.” But we are still so disconnected from our food. Recently, I’ve given this a lot of thought. My theory is this:

If you choose to eat meat, an animal must die. What type of animal will you choose to nourish your body with? One that lived in the wild, joyfully roaming rolling acres or one living caged, beaten, and laying in their own feces.”

The bottom line- The only way to truly know where your meat comes from is to hunt it yourself. Hunting an animal to eat is one of the most primal and fundamental parts of our existence, yet we have become so disconnected from that way of life. Revitalizing primitive instincts is a unique and personal experience.

Field Experience

Harvesting my first deer and spending quality time in the woods with friends was an exciting and memorable experience. I was isolated from the rest of the world, focused on every sound and movement, relaxed, yet alert. My experienced friends guided me and taught me all the necessary skills to become successful in filling my freezer for 2020.

We broke up our weekend into three sits; Saturday at dawn, Saturday at dusk, and Sunday at dawn. After minimal action on Saturday morning and evening, a huge rain storm came through bringing cooler temps and mild winds.

Our group woke up with a good feeling on Sunday. The conditions weren’t perfect at first, but they would be by the time we got into our blinds. As soon as we got settled in, we saw a few older does. They blew at us at least 10 times. They scared everything off. Besides a scurrying bobcat, we saw nothing.

Discouraged and cold, we were ready for a hot meal at Waffle House. As we stood up to collect our belongings, I saw a deer behind us on the tree line, but shortly lost sight of it. Slowly, I turned back around and there he was right in front of my face. Luckily the safety was still off and my crossbow was hot. My friend sighted it at 25 yards. Time seemed to go into slow motion as I looked through my scope. He was broadside and I had the red dot on his lungs. I pulled the trigger, watched the arrow make perfect placement, and watched him run into the woods.

I did it. I was freaking out, shaking with adrenaline, and high fiving my friend. After a few minutes, we got up to look for blood. Immediately, we saw bubbled blood with lung matter- and a lot of it. I sighed with relief knowing he was down in the woods.

The rest of the group was gathered together so they could join me on my first blood trail. After about 60 yard in, there he was- a little spike. We were told they had eyes on him due to his aggressive behavior. Hopefully this kill will help improve the quality of the population in the area. He was brought out of the woods, placed into a celebratory photoshoot, and lugged up and into the back of the truck.

Oh, and you better believe we celebrated over a hot Waffle House meal.

Table Experience

The best part of my entire field experience was knowing I would have enough meat to fill my deep freezer for the year to feed myself and share with family and friends. Venison is one of the best meats you can eat. It is…

High in Protein, Low in Fat.
An excellent source of protein
Zero Carbs and Low-Calorie (contains fewer calories than beef or even chicken breast)
Low in Sodium
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals.

A friend of mine has been collecting and perfecting venison recipes for years. This time we grilled the backstraps with a homemade rub, and topped it with a simple cilantro Chimichurri sauce.

Grilled Venison Back Straps with Chimichurri

Cilantro Chimichurri Sauce

1 cup cilantro, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup avocado oil
1/2 tsp cumin
1 tsp coriander
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tsp lime juice

GRILLED VENISON BACKSTRAP

Heat outdoor grill on high heat
Using a sharp knife, remove any silver skin (facia) on the backstrap

Cut into 3-inch thick pieces
In a bowl, combine avocado oil, cumin, coriander, oregano, garlic powder, chili powder, and salt.
Rub the blend onto the cuts of meat

Place seasoned venison steaks on the grill for 3-4 minutes
Flip steaks and grill for another 3-4 minutes
Cook until the internal temperature is about 120 degrees F (medium rare)

Remove from heat, loosely cover with foil, and set aside to rest for 10 minutes.
Thinly slice each steak against the grain on an angle
Drizzle cilantro chimichurri sauce on top and serve!

Enjoy!

MAIN

2019: Year in Review Templates

December 31, 2019 laurenalexandra

Fashion, MAIN

NEW Spanx Dupe! 🚨

December 15, 2019December 31, 2019 laurenalexandra

These new leggings are AMAZING. They’re a little bit thicker than my other ones I posted about and I think that helps them stay in place. There’s no sagging or pulling with these. I also love the high waist, but they come in mid rise as well. They can definitely be considered a Spanx dupe.

Super High Waisted Vegan Leather Ankle Leggings

https://www.express.com/clothing/women/super-high-waisted-vegan-leather-ankle-leggings/pro/06978273/cat1910070

Fashion, MAIN

Hiking Jeans

December 1, 2019December 31, 2019 laurenalexandra

Lucky Brand Ava Skinny

The most perfect hiking jeans. The Ava Skinnys by @luckybrand. So comfortable and just the right amount of stretch.

Fashion, MAIN

Winter Outfit

November 17, 2019December 31, 2019 laurenalexandra

Jags Sweatshirt: https://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=285126

Faux Leather Leggings: https://www.gliks.com/products/la-scala-pleather-leggings-for-women-in-black-2710?variant=31203548364900

Adidas (Grand Court Cloudfoam): https://www.adidas.com/us/grand-court-shoes/F36483.html

Travel

My Home Town: Sanford, Florida

September 1, 2019September 4, 2019 laurenalexandra

A Brief History

Sanford sits on the south shore of Lake Monroe at the head of the St. Johns River. During the Seminole Wars of the 1830s, the area was the site of a U.S. Army post named Fort Mellon. As settlers moved into the area, the town of Mellonville was established. With the advent of commercial steamboat service, the town became a distribution point for goods essential for the growth of Central Florida. When Orange County was created in 1845, Mellonville became the county seat.

In 1870, Henry Shelton Sanford purchased the land west of Mellonville. He planned a new city “The Gate City of South Florida,” which he believed would become the transportation hub for all of South Florida.

By the first decade of the 20th century, Sanford was one of the largest vegetable shipping centers in the United States and received the nickname “Celery City” for the most successful crop.

On April 25, 1913, Seminole County was officially established with Sanford as the county seat. In the boom and bust years that followed, Sanford shared in the growth of Central Florida.

(Excerpt is taken from SanfordFL.gov)

The Imperial at Washburn Imports

The Imperial is “a neighborhood bar specializing in boutique wines, craft beers, and classic cocktails. Come enjoy a relaxed evening in one of our comfortable yet elegant surroundings. Orlando’s leading furniture provider for one-of-a-kind pieces you’ll cherish for a lifetime.“

This place is so unique! Not only do you get to have a delicious drink, but you can also admire all the furniture and art around you. The top of the bar is simply mesmerizing!

The vibe: International quirky, yet local historic. An art and furniture lovers dream!

The Sullivan Public House

The Sullivan Public House is “a full-service, classic Irish Pub. They serve the finest of Irish beers and whiskeys, as well as classic Irish plates and feature live Irish folk music.”

This traditional Irish Pub has everything you are looking for. The intricate woodwork houses dozen of whiskeys. Although they have many booths and a very long bar to sit at, you’ll want to check out one of the coziest seats in the house. You and your friends will have your own snug space attached to the end of the bar, complete with a service window. How cool is that?!

The Vibe: Traditional Irish Pub with lots of fun games to play. (Check out their team puzzle nights!)

Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Cafe

Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Cafe “serves the freshest expertly prepared German Food in Central Florida. Theo, Linda, and Christina Hollerbach invite you to share our goal of providing you with a memorable meal and to experience German Gemuetlichkeit. Gemuetlichkeit is a sense of well-being and happiness that comes from enjoying the company of friends and family while savoring good food and drink. We offer traditional menus items found in Gasthauses across Germany as well as American favorites and original menu creations. Our recipes include many old world traditional, and family specialties. All of our dressings are made fresh in our kitchen as well as our soups and desserts. We strive to use only fresh ingredients and avoid pre-processed food. You can truly taste the difference.”

This place shouts all things, German. Willow Tree is a very popular place to meet in Historic Downtown Sanford. Whether you show up hungry for a traditional meal, or just looking to grab a beer, you won’t be disappointed. And they’re expanding! They will be completing the amazing build-out to extend into Magnolia Square where they will utilize the second story. Follow them on social media for more info! #ProjectHollerblock

They also have a huge Oktoberfest street party every year. German food, German beer, wine and Schnapps, polka music, people dancing in Lederhosen and Dirndls. You can’t go wrong.

The Vibe: Fun, energetic, authentic German

Magpies

Magpies Modern General Store is just as cute as can be. The large display windows draw you into a bohemian store filled with (mostly) local treats such as jewelry, stationery, plant-based soaps, housewares, and more. Everything about this store is amazing; the products, the design, the thoughtful displays, the plants, the hardwoods. They have a large chalkboard calendar in the front window with local events around the downtown area; a wonderful way to build community between the businesses.

The Vibe: Boho, affordable

Maya Books & Music

This local bookstore has been downtown for some time but recently moved down the street. Because it’s mostly filled with used books, as you enter you’ll notice “old book smell”. It’s cluttered, yet charming. Books cover the walls. You can feel the history all around you. There are all genres of books. Upstairs is the music loft. A book-lover can easily spend hours in here and walk out with an armful of books for less than $30.

The Vibe: Cluttered, yet charming; old floors and shelves (like Grandma’s house)

Historic Sanford Welcome Center

Let me just say by I am so thrilled that my little home town has a welcome center. It has clean bathrooms, cold water, snacks, a shop area, maps, restaurant menus, and a super helpful and friendly concierge. I love the fact that they have Sanford T-shirts, hats, koozies, keychains, etc. Visiting the welcome center is something I highly recommend even if you’re a local. I hope you get a chance to visit and walk around the historic downtown. Whether it be day or night, I promise it will be a treat.

This is only a sample of businesses located in downtown Historic Sanford. Here are some more to explore!

Happy Sanfording!

Xo Lauren

Beauty

My 5 Daily Facial Skin Care Products

August 12, 2019August 12, 2019 laurenalexandra

There’s so much information out there. There are so many choices. So many options. When it’s time to buy a new product how do you choose? I know that overwhelming feeling all too well. So today, I’m sharing my top 5 face products I use daily (or almost daily). These are the ones that will never fall into my “product graveyard” under the bathroom sink.

1. Neutrogena Hydro Boost City Shield

I shifted from Neutrogena Hyro Boost to Neutrogena Hyro Boost City Shield. The only major difference is the City Shield has sunscreen in it and the original does not. I do love both products though! City Shield is a bit thinner and less gelatinous. I use this product first when I get out of the shower in the morning.

TIP: When you get out of the shower, don’t scrub your face with the towel. Very gently pat it one time so it’s not dripping, then immediately apply moisturizer to your damp face to prevent trans epidermal water loss. Your skin will be much more hydrated this way!

2. ZO® SKIN HEALTH SUNSCREEN + PRIMER SPF 30

This stuff is heavenly! My dermatologist uses it herself and gave me a sample one day. I immediately fell in love with it. The texture is perfect and feels like velvet going into your skin. One pump will cover your face, but I like to use two pumps to cover my neck as well. Another reason I love it is because it really helps smooth and spread your foundation. It is non-greasy, unscented, and a beige color. Make sure to twist the top until it clicks to pop up the pump correctly or the pump will just fall back into the bottle.

3. IT COSMETICS CC+ Cream with SPF 50+

It’s no surprise this CC Cream is a 2019 Allure Reader’s Choice Award Winner. I use this as my foundation every day. It is a Color Correcting Full Coverage Cream + Anti-Aging Hydrating Serum + SPF 50+ UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum Physical Sunscreen. I use this as my foundation every day. It lasts forever and feels super hydrating. I really like the handy pump under the cap. (Are you noticing a trend here??) This product just checks all the boxes for me!

4. Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Facial Cleanser

This face wash has an oil-free, soap-free, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic formula. I use the foaming formula. They do make a creamy version, but I like the feel of the foaming, lathering wash much better. This cleanser leaves your face feeling naturally clean, and not too dry. Perfect!

5. BENZEPRO^®Foaming Cloths (Benzoyl Peroxide 6.0%)

These handy little cloths do require an RX. My dermatologist recommended them years ago and I always refill my prescription when I run out. The box comes with 60 so there are plenty to share them with my boyfriend. (He loves them!) I have used benzoyl peroxide face washes and creams in the past, but the fact that the cloths are infused with BP it just amazing and so convenient! They are also great for traveling. I usually keep one in my purse just in case! To avoid any drying and irritation, I use these every other time I wash my face.

DISCLAIMER: Benzoyl peroxide will bleach your clothing, towels, etc. Make sure you rinse your face very well! I usually only use these in the shower.

Good luck choosing your new products!

Much love!
xo Lauren

Fashion

Back-to-School Teacher Outfits

August 10, 2019August 11, 2019 laurenalexandra

As summer dwindles down and August settles in, it’s time for the beloved back-to-school shopping. Florida’s tax-free “weekend” was August 2nd-6th this year and you better believe I hit all the stores and got all the sales.

Here are some of my outfits I have paired.

Favorite pants: Satinato $29.99 @ Amazon