Blog Every Day in January: I can't finish things, resolutions and courage (the Cowardly Dog)

Whenever I work out, there is this issue I have. If I am supposed to do 15 reps of something, I do 14. If I'm supposed to do 30, I do 29. Sometimes I tell myself I have to do 31 just so I get every rep in, because something about that last rep is so darn unattainable.

This applies to my "Blog Every Day in January" challenge. I actually did much better on this than anticipated! That being said, I couldn't seem to bring myself to blog Friday or yesterday, so I am finishing up my January posts on Groundhog Day.

Via

My last three posts included a cause I support and my resolutions. So I will do those and be done with this challenge! (There are two topics I didn't feel like doing, so I just...didn't do them.) It's going to be weird to try to blog without pre-set rules.

A cause I support: National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Over the course of my lifetime, whether it be through people I know and love or volunteer efforts, I have seen the effects of domestic violence and abuse. It stays with people. It haunts them. And sometimes people can't, or don't know how to, leave an abusive situation. So this is one cause that has always been important to me. I like the NCADV, but there are a lot of local groups that I like, too. It's a battle worth fighting, and the statistics are staggering. I don't have a lot of money right now, but even if I did, I always enjoy volunteering my time to help. I don't do it nearly enough, but getting to see people and making them smile can make a huge difference. There are times I felt very down or alone, but the kindness of a stranger turned my day, or even my week, around. I think the power of human connection is often forgotten or underrated.

My Resolutions:

I know it's a little weird to end January with resolutions, but I like to give myself a little time to consider the year ahead and decide what I want to do. Plus, my birthday is this week so that feels like more of a new beginning to me than the calendar year. 

I don't make them often. When I do, they tend to be too vague for actual achievement. This year I tried to change them up a bit.

1. Finish two more books. I am publishing a fiction series, but only the first of three books is actually done. Getting going on the other two has been a challenge because I have been so stressed about finding a job. I didn't have much creative energy flowing. Sometimes you just have to sit down and get started. So this year, I'm hoping to get both completed. 

2. Work. Yes, this one is vague. But it doesn't feel that way. It is a loaded resolution. My focus this year is career, so that is the whole underlying theme of 2014.

3. Explore my spirituality. As I get more comfortable with who I am, I am trying to focus on finding out if there is a religion or spiritual path that I can connect with. My family wasn't very religious, so we were allowed to do a lot of our own exploration. (Except I did attend a Catholic School, but Catholicism didn't do it for me.) I am open to pretty much any religion. I have been doing research over the past couple years, and there is one that seems to speak my language. I don't believe that there is one "correct" religion out there. I think it's something each individual has to find on their own. This year I hope to continue seeking out the tools to develop my spirituality. 

4. Do something that scares me. I am a CHICKEN. Ask anyone who knows me. I have no problem speaking in front of an enormous crowd of people, but ask me to go to a bar (someone could drug me!) or go sledding (people die that way!) and I freeze up. My mantra this year is to just try things, and to take risks. It's healthy. I am the human version of "Courage the Cowardly Dog." Also, did anyone else find that show really, deeply creepy??

(I googled Courage the Cowardly Dog memes and found these. Sorry if the first one ruins your childhood.)

Via

Via

5. Learn to cook a chicken. Or any chicken, really. I always char it! Except the slow cooker, which never chars the chicken. I am learning to love the slow cooker.

6. Finish reading The Count of Monte Cristo. Eventually. 

I have lots of little "eat well, sleep more" kinds of things, but those are always around. 

What are your main resolutions? How do you stay on top of them?

Happy February!

Blog Every Day in January: What I'm excited for in 2014 (and answers for yesterday's post!)

Woohoo almost Thursday! I actually woke up and thought today was Friday. That is almost worse than waking up at 6 a.m. and thinking it's 3 a.m. and you still have a few hours of sleep left.

In all honesty, today is very stressful. I am waiting for a phone call right now that I am anxious about. (Aaaaaany minute now. It's not really something to be anxious about, but I am the queen of anxiety. Seriously.)

But this is a positive post! So let's move on to that!

First of all, here is the answer to yesterday's Two Truths and a Lie post:

The lie was...NUMBER ONE!

Like a few of you guessed, I do not have five brothers.

I do, however, have four. And I'm the oldest. So that was fun. They occasionally tackle me, but at least no one ever stole my clothes.

I did have my appendix removed senior year of high school. I was so fascinated by the whole experience that I wanted the doctor to save it in a jar for me. (I think that was the drugs talking? Maybe?) He said it was the weirdest request he'd ever had, but he did take a picture of it for me. Thank you, sir.

And yes, I was a PROFESSIONAL PRINCESS! Sort of. I worked at a place that threw princess parties for little girls, and you could opt to have a princess show up. I only had to wear the platinum blonde wig once and crazy dress once, thank goodness. Blonde and pink frills is not my best look.

(This picture has nothing to do with this post. It just makes me laugh. 

Even my water bottle matches us!)

Onto today's thing! I just had that scary phone call I mentioned above and it went really well. I know you were very concerned about that.

So, it is 2014, nearly the second month! Thank goodness. In case you missed me complaining about it before, I really dislike January. I consider it a throwaway month, one that people like to get done and over with. Except New Years. New Years is always fun.

Today is all about what I am excited for in 2014. Let's begin!

1.) THE JOB. For me, 2014 is the year of the career. Half of 2013 was spent stressing, interviewing, getting turned down, getting my hopes up, getting turned down, repeat. It was a rough year, one of the most challenging I've dealt with. 

It's funny because people keep telling me 2013 was "my year." I graduated in May, got engaged in October, and my book was accepted for publishing in December. Those were huge moments in not only my year, but my life. However, the rest of 2013 was hard on me. 

Leaving a full-time job after only two weeks was terrifying, and eight months of job hunting was draining. It was so hard to watch my friends get hired in jobs that matched their career goals, and while I was truly happy for them, it made me wonder what was wrong with me.

So my number one focus going into 2014 was to leave my internship and get my career rolling. Luckily, I seem to have stumbled into an opportunity that will allow me to do just that! I am very excited, a little anxious, and incredibly hopeful that this is exactly what I've been searching for. 

And I found out yesterday that I did, indeed, get the job!

2.) Weddings. I cannot wait to see two of my friends get married this summer, just three weeks apart! For one of those, Tom and I get to travel to California. It will be our first extended trip that we have to plan and execute on our own, so I am pretty excited for that. And I am a bridesmaid in my best friend Sandy's wedding! I remember exactly where she and I were the day of her first date with her fiance (before the date. No, I did not crash that date.) It feels so special to be a part of their wedding.

3.) Spring. Apparently, this winter is bad enough that we have to NAME EVERY STORM! Really though. Right now Winter Storm Leon is unleashing ice fury on the Southeastern U.S. And those of us in the Midwest get excited to see the temperature rise above zero, because that means the salt will work. I am going to have one heck of a Spring Fever this year, and everyone will know it. The minute it's 60 degrees, I am busting out a floral sundress. I don't have one, but I will buy one for the occasion.

4.) October. My favorite month. I'm not very fond of the summer (see above photo. I require all sorts of SPF.) So I have always loved October. And this year, it marks one year out from our wedding, and we will be returning to a favorite Inn to celebrate our engage-iversary!

5.) My book(s). I recently learned that my first book is due out on March 31st! How cool is that?! I still don't really believe it's happening. I barely talk about it or write about it on this blog because I still sort of don't believe it. My second book will probably also come out in 2014. It's so surreal.

Ahh, 2014. I am excited to not have a lot going on this year. It's one final deep breath before the house-hunting-renovating-wedding-madness that will be 2015.

I hope your year is off to a great start!

Blog Every Day in January: Two Truths and a Lie

Oh boy, this has been one heck of a week, and it's Tuesday! And cold. Very cold. Negative 14 degrees kind of cold.

We are watching the State of the Union address, and I just finished some Blogilates workouts. (I love Cassey. She's eternally inspirational.)

First, I wanted to show off my nails today. Because they usually look like I tried to paint them while jogging, and I'm kind of proud of them today.

I love that swirl! I apologize if this is nothing new, but I had been too afraid to attempt it before. It was actually really easy! A coat of white, a drop of purple, swirl with a toothpick. Done.

Onto today's post!

Let's play a game, shall we? A game you have probably been forced to play in classrooms and ice breaker groups and college orientations for years.

Can you spot the lie? :) Here are two facts about me, and one thing I totally just made up. Aaaaaaaand go!

1.) I have five brothers.

2.) I have had my appendix removed.

3.) I once worked as a professional princess. 

What's your guess?

Happy Tuesday!

Blog Every Day in January: Products that have made all the difference

Today was the day I really needed. So many good things happening (and I really hope to share them with you this week!)

But for today, this is something I have really been excited to do. Five favorite products. I am going for beauty products specifically, and I only have a handful I use religiously. I love to rotate out makeup and skin products frequently, but when I do find something that works, I stick to it.

1.) Coconut oil- My freshman year of college, I had some serious problem skin. I broke out a lot, and I didn't know how to handle my combination skin. I had dry skin with an oily T-zone. I remember getting fed up with it and googling some options, and reading about the benefits of using oils on your skin.

After that, I used olive oil on my skin for three years. My skin finally felt properly hydrated and balanced, but the olive oil was still a little thick. Enter coconut oil. I use it multiple times a day, and my skin has never been happier. Be sure to look for the extra virgin kind, preferably organic.

2.) True Blue Spa's "Look Ma, New Hands"- I love these things so much that I bought three of them at one of Bath & Body Work's holiday sales. This is phenomenal hand cream, and it can moisturize even the driest, most cracked winter hands.

3.) Sally Hansen Diamond Strength No Chip Nail Color- My nails are awful. AWFUL. They flake off, fall apart and refuse to grow. Then this fall, when I started suspecting a proposal, I got really into nail polish. I bought this clear coat just because I needed some, and my nails are finally growing! It has mixed reviews online, but I give it five stars. It was an unexpected success, and I have to go buy some more soon.

4.) Benefit Erase Paste- This is another one of those surprise finds. I had a gift card to Sephora and I was looking for a good quality concealer. I decided to give this one a shot, and I've been using it for almost 3 years now. It looks like the tiniest little bit for the money, but this stuff lasts me at least a year. Very, very worth it. I especially love it for dark under-eye circles.

5.) Burt's Bees Soap Bark & Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cream- I have hooked a few people on this cleanser. It's perfect for my skin, and according to the reviews, a lot of other people's. It leaves your skin feeling moisturized and clean, and I have been using it for a couple years now. I keep re-buying it because I don't feel any reason to try anything else.

Do you have any can't-live-without items? Do you already use any of my favorites?

Blog Every Day in January: Guilty Pleasures and a Smoothie-a-thon

I think this is the first time I have ever watched the Grammys all the way through, and I'm glad I did. Holy Beyonce, Holy Pink. Those two alone made it worth it. And they both have babies!

All the schools in town are shut down tomorrow due to the cold (and a lot of businesses) and I'm sitting here, hoping my little Scion makes it to work alive. And me. I'd like to survive Ice Age 2014 as well.

Today, however, was gorgeous! By that I mean it hit 40 degrees and I drove with the windows down. So Tom and I took a walk and I made 14 smoothie packets.

This was a genius idea. Really. I don't know why I never thought of freezing pre-made smoothie ingredients because I would always get frustrated when some of my greens wilted before I had a chance to use them. (Hello, freezer.)

So now I have two weeks worth of green smoothies ready to go!

Today's post is all about my guilty pleasures, and I can tell you that I have plenty. Here are my top five:

1.) SUGAR. I think this one is self-explanatory. I have been working awhile to kick this habit, or at least limit it. But those homemade lemon poppyseed cupcakes aren't going to eat themselves.

2.) Bridal magazines-This is a new one because obviously, this is the first time I'm planning a wedding. I have Pinterest. I have an endless amount of online inspiration. But those pretty glossy covers are like catnip to me, and I love the "I CAN CUT PICTURES OUT!" part of it.

3.) Youtube- Ugh. I really do feel guilty about this one. I have mentioned it before. But I am suddenly addicted to these everyday vlogger people, and I feel like I am totally invading their space (I'm looking at you, April and Justin.)

4.) Crack of dawn driving- Is this a guilty pleasure? I don't know. I have a thing for mornings, especially when no one else is on the road. I would prefer to be out of the house by 7 every day, and home for good by 11 a.m.

5.) Makeup- I really don't wear that much makeup. Actually, many times during the week, I don't wear any. But on the weekends when I do put some on, I like to have a whole artillery at my fingertips. Especially Tarte lipgloss. Tom's mom got a free gift of them and gave them ALL to me, and I am officially a loyal fan.

Stay warm, friends! 

Blog Everyday in January: Catching up, and catching the speedo-wearing camera thief

Saturday! Ah I love the weekends.

So since I've been M.I.A. the past two days (oops...) I am going to sort of combine all of the ones I have missed into today's post!

First up...Anything DIY.

This DIY is a super simple beauty technique. Two ingredients. Very cheap. And my skin LOVES it.

I have started using apple cider vinegar as a toner. It's one part apple cider vinegar to two parts water. I put it on before my moisturizer every night. I may start using it twice a day. Full disclosure...I've only been using it for a week. But so far, so good, and my skin is incredibly sensitive.

It's important to use the good stuff, though. I like Bragg's. Whichever one you use, make sure it says "With the 'Mother'" on it. That means certain enzymes haven't been filtered out.

Via

Seriously, it has been working beautifully. But it does make you smell like feet for a few minutes. 

(Tom claims it is a repellent I have created against him. He can't stand the smell. Sometimes beauty is stinky!)

For yesterday's and today's posts, I am going to combine them a bit because they go together. Yesterday I was supposed to write about where I've traveled, and today is a badass moment.

For starters, here is a list of where I have traveled:

-Various U.S. states (Hawaii, Illinois, Missouri, California, Indiana, Michigan, Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, Massachusetts, Arizona, Texas, Wisconsin, Nevada, Tennessee, D.C....I think that's it....)

-Mexico (Yucatan Peninsula, Riviera Maya, Cancun)

-Punta Cana

-Turks and Caicos

-England

-Scotland (Edinburgh)

-Ireland (Dublin, Cork, Galway)

-Spain (Madrid, Barcelona, Segovia)

I have been so fortunate to see all I've seen in 23 years. And there is so much more I want to see!

So for the badass part...

I was 16, and visiting Spain on a class trip. My parents had bought me a brand new camera for the trip, and I clearly remember my mom saying "Make sure you don't lose that!"

Foreshadowing. As usual.

On our second to last day in Barcelona, we went to the beach. A few friends and I left our bags UNATTENDED, and went to dip our toes in the water really quick.

In that thirty seconds, our stuff disappeared. Including my camera, my money, and....my friend's passport. Yep.

I absolutely refused to accept my camera was gone. I ran around frantically, eyeing everyone suspiciously. To make things more interesting, half the beach was topless, and they spoke a different Spanish than I did.

As luck would have it, a topless woman nearby called me over (this was a very strange experience for me.) She told me a bunch of stuff, but all I heard was that a man took our stuff and ran down the beach.

I thanked her and took off. I don't like running on beaches. It's awkward and challenging, and my swimsuit was new and didn't fit quite right. I didn't care. I sprinted for what felt like half a mile, when I saw it.

My bag. And a tiny, strange man in a speedo. Digging a hole.

I became angry. Very angry. But I was angry in English. So I started yelling at this little man in an angry sort of Spanglish, saying something along the lines of "La camera es de mi!" Which translated means "The camera is of my," so that was weird.

A crowd formed. They were silent. I kept yelling at this man with the little Spanish I knew, and he eventually obeyed. He gave me my stuff back, but for whatever reason insisted on keeping a pack of gum and 28 cents. I took that deal.

And me, being the shy, passive person I generally am, had a true badass moment of chasing a speedo-wearing man down the beach in a foreign country.

I wanted to share one more thing. I got this scarf with cats on it, and I love it, so...Happy Caturday!

What's your favorite badass moment? Everyone's got one!

Blog Every Day in January: A Favorite Place

Oy this blogging every day thing is challenging. On the one hand, it's good because it reminds me that blogging can be about anything. The important thing is to just sit down and do it. On the other hand, it's a challenge. So that means blogging when I don't feel like it. Well, that's sort of the point.

Today is all about a favorite place of mine, and it was really hard to choose. But of the places I've seen so far? I love, love Ireland.

I'm lucky enough to have been there twice already, and something about it is really magical. It seems frozen in time, and the shades of green there are like nothing I've ever seen.

There are plenty of other parts of Europe I'd love to see, but so far, Ireland is incredible. And those accents! (Everyone says that, but come on. They're great.) 

Even the oldest structures in the United States are relatively young, so to see 1,000-year-old castles is pretty enchanting. I especially loved staying at the Ashford Castle. (Read an interesting story about that castle here...I'm psychic guys.)

Ah, Ireland. I will be back someday.

What's your favorite place on earth? A runner-up for this post was the open highway at sunrise. I love an empty road.

Happy Wednesday!

20 things I've learned in my twenties

Well helllloooooo!

Ah, January. You made my car slide all over the place yet again. Is this winter especially brutal, or what? Those of you in the Northeast...you're on my mind tonight. Watch out for Janus the Winter Storm. (They name winter storms now??)

So today's topic. I've had it on my mind throughout the day. When lunchtime rolled around and I found myself eating leftover chips from the break room as my only meal, I questioned my authority on this topic. And it became painfully obvious that yes, I am still in my early twenties.

23 in two weeks, actually!

But I have learned some valuable things in the past three years, so here we go:

1.) Stop looking backwards and replaying your regrets and defeats. You know where you've been. Focus on where you'll go.

2.) It's okay to be messy and imperfect. Actually, it's mandatory. Embrace it.

3.) Don't stop playing! Build forts and snowmen and Lego castles. Some things stop being fun (like spinning around until you fall...nausea isn't fun anymore) but there are other things you never grow out of.

4.) Don't worry about other people's timelines. I always try to compare my age and current life progression with other people's, but I've realized the twenties look vastly different for everyone.

5.) Puppies can fix any bad day.

Riley :)

6.) Drink more water.

7.) Cover up in the sun.

8.) Don't put your life on hold until 30. Work toward where you want to be now.

9.) Don't buy into the "College is the best time of your life" thing (I HATE that!) Those are some great years for sure, but don't give up on the rest of your life, either.

10.) Don't be in a rush. Do things in your own time, no matter how early or late other people think it is.

11.) Stop worrying about other people's opinions! This has been a HUGE one for me. They are wrapped up in their own stuff. They don't care or obsess nearly as much as it may seem.

12.) Don't be afraid to ask for what you really want, whether in a job, a relationship, etc.

13.) It's okay to only have a handful of close, quality friends.

14.) Start telling the truth. If you need a night alone, say it. If you want to save your money instead of going out, be upfront about it. People will understand.

15.) Don't ignore your health. It starts catching up to you pretty fast.

16.) Anything you want to change in your life should start with you. So get going!

17.) If you plan to stay up all night, you'll get tired. If a crazy night happens spontaneously, the all-nighter is entirely worth it.

18.) Don't be too cautious. Make good mistakes now. (I'm still not good at this one!)

19.) Challenge yourself. Read, watch and learn about things you don't normally gravitate to.

20.) The future isn't a destination where everything you want will work out. It's a series of days, just like today, with its own ups and downs. Be grateful for each one all the same.

XO,

Heather

Blog Every Day in January: My Expert Advice

Yay for Monday! 

I am currently watching Castle and eating Honey Bunches of Oats. I am on a serious cereal kick lately.

So in considering this topic, I decided I would just share some of the things I have picked up along the way that work for me. Let's begin:

1.) Add eucalyptus to the laundry to kill dust mites and make it smell amazing. I've been doing this for a couple months and I love it! I add two capfuls to each load.

2.) Want a quick fix for oily spots on your face like between your eyebrows, on your chin or under your eyes? Run a finger over the top of a deodorant stick and dab it on areas that need it. 

3.) Drink more warm water! Hot water helps detoxify the body and aids in digestion. Add some cinnamon, honey or lemon for flavor and added benefits.

4.) This tip comes from my mom's esthetician friend. All year, but especially in the winter, sleep with a humidifier on. It will keep your skin from drying out from constantly running heaters.

5.) Take zinc daily leading up to an event you really don't want to risk being sick for. It will help keep illness at bay and clear up skin. (Read here.)

6.) If you get your shoes wet, shove some newspaper inside them. The next day they should be dried out. (Works every time for me!)

7.) Having a bad day? Make a list of 10 things you are grateful for. Take a few seconds to really think about why you're grateful for each item on the list. It's foolproof for turning your day around, even just for a little bit.

8.) For you iPhone users, look up an app called Swell. An Android version is due out on the market soon. It's like Pandora for NPR programs, TED Talks, and general news radio. I have an Android phone, so I'm anxiously awaiting its release!

9.) Make an Apple Cider Vinegar toner. I mix it with two parts water. There are tons of benefits to using it on your skin! Read more here.

10.) Add almond or peanut butter to your oatmeal. Not only is it delicious, but it adds protein to your breakfast. I love Justin's Maple Almond Butter.

Blog Every Day in January: Photos and Food

Another week! Yay! This is going to be a good week. I can feel it.

This weekend has been lovely. We went to our first Wedding Expo today, which was simultaneously fun and terrifying. Pros? There were samples everywhere. Macarons, mini cakes, cake pops, chocolate, lasagna...it was awesome. Plus, Tom was steeply outnumbered by women, but he was a trooper. Oh! And we entered EVERY potential giveaway! I had a friend who actually won a cruise at one of those things.

Cons? Crowds make me panicky, and all the vendors want you to talk to them. Which is kind of the point of those things, but still. I am prone to getting sucked into conversations. We have another, much larger, wedding expo next weekend, so now we know what to expect.

Ready for another two months of winter!

We decided we needed an under the sea-themed fort over our bed to watch "Finding Nemo." I recommend it.

Also, I missed yesterday's "Blog Every Day..." topic, so here it is! A favorite photo of myself.

This photo is from the day we got engaged, just a little while before we did. I had my suspicions about that day (and any weekend in October,) so naturally, I was very giddy and excited.  We were also at the pumpkin farm, one of my favorite places! And we'd just had some delicious apple cider donuts. I was in for a really incredible day at this point, and looking back on it brings back a lot of good memories.

Also the obvious...I'm getting my picture taken with Mickey and Minnie's pumpkin cousins. Which is pretty cool.

And today's topic! A recipe.

Last night, Tom and I finally went to an Indian restaurant! One of my best friend's family owns an Indian restaurant, and I crave it all the time. But I haven't found a good place since I moved. So we tried one out last night, and it was fantastic!

But possibly my favorite part was the mango lassi. I can't get enough of that stuff. So today, before doing my grocery shopping, I found a recipe. I just finished eating it for dessert a few minutes ago, and it was the perfect treat! Refreshing and delicious. The recipe is originally from Simply Recipes.

You will need:

- 1 cup plain yogurt

- 1/2 cup milk

- 1 cup chopped mango (I used frozen.)

- 4 teaspoons sugar, or as much as you want

Blend in a blender, and enjoy! Makes about 2 cups. It can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.

It was a nice fruity treat to brighten up a bleak winter night! Although, I have noticed it staying lighter longer, and that is really exciting. 

Happy Sunday!

Blog Every Day in January: Favorite Quote

Yay, Friday!

Oh man, I have been waiting anxiously for this weekend. Not for any particular reason, really. Just because it's another weekend, and another January week to get rid of. (January always feels like the weirdest month. January and March.)

First of all, I finally solved my wanting-a-stand-up-desk issue! Sitting all day makes me antsy. So I improvised:

I am, in fact, standing. That is part of our basement home.

Stairs + peppermint candy bin + resume holder = Stand-up desk/ potential recipe for disaster!

So I am really excited about that, and I might be able to use it a lot more soon! Hopefully I can share that news next week :)

Today's topic is a favorite quote. I have two that I return to often:

“We have not journeyed across the centuries, across the oceans, across the mountains, across the prairies, because we are made of sugar candy.” 

-Winston Churchill

"Fight for your shitty life...You're your own problem, and your own solution."

-Megan from Bridesmaids

To me, they both sort of say the same thing. You're tougher than you think you are, and you have to keep going. By no means is my life some huge, distressing mess, but there are a lot of unknowns right now, and it has been exhausting.

There is always a challenge. That's what makes things worthwhile. These quotes remind me that whatever it is, I will get through it. Down the road, there will be another issue. And then a setback. And another. But that's alright, because there's always something good on the horizon. You just have to keep moving to get there.

Enjoy your weekend!

P.S.- I'm guest blogging at Stay Crafty My Friends today. I love Shelby's blog. She has a great attitude, and her posts are always uplifting. Check it out, if you haven't yet!

Blog Every Day in January: A few of my favorite things

Two posts in one day, what?!

I really didn't want to blog yesterday. Really, really wasn't feeling it. But that's the point of this challenge! To keep going! (Thank you, Thomas, for holding me accountable...)

Anyway, on to today's post: A few of my favorite things (but not favorite products, because that one's next week.) Let's begin:

1. Gabrielle Aplin- This girl is fantastic. I would LOVE to see her live. Her voice is every bit as beautiful as her lyrics, and I haven't heard one song by her that didn't give me goosebumps. She's amazing.

2. Hot water and anything- This one sounds so simple. But I look forward to it every day. Hot water and lemon, tea, hot water with honey and cinnamon, plain old hot water...it's soothing and perfect for winter.

3. Youtube- I mentioned this one recently, but I have suddenly discovered YouTube. And all of a sudden I am obsessed with people who vlog their daily lives. I'm not sure why, and I feel like a weirdo sometimes, but people are fascinating! Particularly these people:

Fleur de Force

AprilJustinTV

Ellie and Jared

4. Kristin Hannah's The Winter Garden- I got this as a book on tape from the library before Christmas so I could listen to it while I drove to my hometown. I just finished listening to it today. Wow, it was incredible. It's a poignant, heartbreaking story that stays with you after it's done. I highly recommend it.

5. This website  has a list of the best magazine articles ever written (subjectively.) It's an awesome tool, and an excellent resource if you find yourself in the middle of a dull hour.

That's all for now! Happy Wednesday!

Blog Every Day in January: An Ode to Winter

I don't mind sharing my car with the frost.

Or my boots with the salt.

Or my Sunday with the snow. 

I love the way a fresh snowfall makes the sky seem illuminated long after sunset.

The city view through the thin, barren, forest branches that we miss when the trees are lush with leaves.

I even love the smell of it occasionally, and the quiet winter brings.

I appreciate living somewhere that gets to participate in a true winter. I feel proud of it, shoveling hour after hour, because it makes me feel resilient. We deal with months of frozen cars and endless shoveling and treacherous commutes, but when it finally melts at the end of March, we get our spring.

You couldn't possibly understand what that first gorgeous spring day can do to people unless you've just been through a bitter winter. It makes a romantic out of everyone. And we cherish it, because our summers and winters seem to last forever, but spring and fall are fleeting. And for that, they are precious.

(Photos from our snow day last Monday)

(Yes, that thermostat does read -21!)

Blog Every Day in January: An embarrassing moment, or three.

Oh boy. Today's post is a treat. A humiliating, regrettable treat.

I am highly prone to embarrassing moments, but they've happened so often to me that I've gotten used to it. But there are still those few shining incidents that never really go away, you know?.

I have three stories, starting with preschool.



STORY 1: Underwear

I was a painfully shy child. I had one or two friends, but especially when I was very little, I preferred to blend in. Meaning I really hated being called out.

Preschool was over for the day, and we all rushed to the coat room to get our bags and coats. I picked up my Minnie Mouse bag, rushed to the circle, and sat down. I had ballet after class, and I was eager to get going.

As soon as we were all situated in our circle, I noticed, to my horror, a pair of Beauty and the Beast underwear. RIGHT THERE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CIRCLE! They were mine. I knew they were mine. I had an extra pair in my bag along with extra socks and my ballet outfit.

I tried to play it cool. I just sat there, looking everywhere but the underwear, even as all of my classmates zeroed in on them. Because duh, I managed to drop them precisely in the middle of the circle.

And then, the WORST thing imagineable happened. My teacher stood in the middle of the circle and asked if they were mine! It wasn't quiet, at least in my head. It felt like an announcement. I nodded yes because I have always been a terrible liar, and everybody laughed. It scarred me. And that began my years of odd incidents and humiliating situations.



STORY 2: MY FRIEND THE TWIN

This one was pure stupidity.

It was senior year, AP English class. Our teacher was telling us this story about how he went to TGI Friday's and ran into a guy that looked exactly like himself. He said they looked at each other, did a double take and cracked up about it.

I thought that story was pretty good. It was hilarious, actually. While I was laughing, I asked my friend who sat in front of me, "Can you imagine running into someone who looks just like you? How crazy would that be?!"

She didn't respond.

She's a twin, guys. An identical twin. And this is something I was very, very aware of.



STORY 3: KNIVES ON A PLANE

This one is terrible. Like, one of the worst moments of my life.

I went to Spain between my sophomore and junior years of high school. While we were in Toledo, we visited a famous sword shop. I bought my dad this gorgeous dagger, and I bought myself a box of chocolates.

A couple days later, we were packing up to go home. Both the chocolate and the dagger were in boxes nearly identical in size, wrapped in the same pink paper, and weighed about the same. (See where this is going?)

So when I was packing, without thinking...OF COURSE I PUT THE DAGGER IN MY CARRY ON! The chocolates, on the other hand, were nestled snugly in my suitcase. I was so proud of that dagger, and I thought it'd be something my dad would like a lot.

Fast-forward to the airport, where I'm being screamed at in Spanish about how they're going to "obliterate" my dagger and questioned the life out of me in a language I barely understood. And they did indeed confiscate that dagger, so I lost out on that.

To make matters worse, I could hear my teacher yelling "What idiot packed a dagger in their carry-on?!" He was one of my favorite high school teachers, too.

On top of that all, the plane was delayed five hours for "security reasons" and I can only assume I may have had something to do with that? Hmm...

Regardless, that story makes me cringe every time. Luckily I was 16 and probably looked too dumb and terrified to actually pose a threat.



Ahhh, memories. I hope you enjoyed those! I've noticed I haven't been making myself look very good with some of the topics I've chosen haha.

Enjoy your new week!

Blog Every Day in January- A Vlog Attempt (Starring our pets!)

Happy Sunday!

Today's challenge was to vlog. Last time I vlogged, I struggled quite a bit. (See it here.) So I decided to attempt it again for the Blog Every Day in January lineup.

Disclaimer: I got to this challenge and had no clue what to do, and was honestly a little freaked out about it. So this video became a typical "what we did today" sort of thing. Basically, if you want to see a lot of footage of Riley the cocker spaniel and Loki the Bengal kitty, then I've got that covered. It should really be called "Vlog about your pets!" Because that's really the best part.

Side note-I am suddenly really into watching other people's daily lives on Youtube. But why? Why?? I find it so ridiculously fascinating to watch, especially Ellie and Jared (who just had their baby a couple days ago!) and AprilJustinTV. Does anyone else do this? Am I just crazy? Obviously other people do this, these people have thousands of subscribers. But still. I feel like I just discovered Youtube. And I guess blogging isn't that different.

Here are all the "Blog Every Day in January" topics so far:

1.) 5 songs for the New Year

2.) Things I am afraid to publish

3.) Wisdom from my former self (words from a journal entry)

4.) Funny memories

5.) A vivid memory

6.) Six facts about me

7.) A day in the life

8.) 5 favorite blogs and why

9.) Response to an article

10.) Skills I wish I had

Also, make sure to check my feature on MacKensie's blog today! I discuss plants, dating failures and my book. Plus, her blog is always a fun read! 

Blog Every Day in January: Skills I Wish I Had

Happy Saturday, friends!

I'd like to tell you a story about myself at 10 years old. Those were hard years back then. I was certainly a member of the "nerd" crowd. When I was in gym class, I was picked last almost every time for any team. It was fair; I was awful. One time, I got chosen after the kid with the broken leg! That's right. He couldn't even play and he was seen as a better asset to a team than I was. Again, I probably earned that distinction. I was a good student and I loved learning, but I lack any and all coordination whatsoever. 

Still. To this day. Watch me dance. You'll see.

Always on trend. Totally chic.

That being said, here is a list of the top skills I wish I had:

1.) ATHLETICISM!- I love being active. Working out is great, talking a walk is fun and soothing and I could ride my bike for hours. But guess what: I am bad at all of those things. Really. I so envy people with athletic ability. The people who can serve a volleyball without it going behind them. Or who hit baseballs often enough that they remember to run when they do so. Even basic coordination!

True story: When Tom and I were wrapping Christmas presents, he held down one side of the paper and asked me to put tape of it. Easy enough, right? I slowly eased my hand toward the folded edge of the wrapping paper, ready to gently and evenly place the piece of tape. But at the LAST MINUTE, my hand jutted about an inch out of the way and put the tape elsewhere. It was not even holding anything down at that point. Tom just looked at me and said "Well I guess that didn't work." That happens a lot actually. Usually with drinks and cupcakes and things.

2.) A SENSE OF DIRECTION: If it's possible to have directional dyslexia...then I have it. (Apparently there may be...) I was actually still figuring out what left and right were in high school, and don't even try asking me which way is north. 

3.) BRAVERY IN THE FACE OF INSECTS/WILDLIFE: I am so very jealous of people who can hike in the woods and pay no attention to those weird orange spiders.

4.) OUTDOOR ATHLETICISM!- Combine all of the above. My lack of coordination, directional capabilities and mother nature make it very hard to embrace surfing, snowboarding or extreme outdoor sports.

5.) BETTER FOCUS- My entire life is run by lists, and has been since elementary school. It's infuriating at times, and I have always been jealous of people who can stick to one activity for long, long periods of time. But that doesn't mean those of us with the attention spans of gnats can't be successful. Just takes a whole lot more post-it notes and phone alarms.

6.) SOCIABILITY- I love extroverts. You guys are awesome. I can talk to people like a normal person if I am required to do so. But if I am at the grocery store, and I see someone I know, I WILL ignore them. Even if they are someone I am incredibly fond of. They could be my best friend, and I would pretend to talk on the phone to ignore them. It's a really terrible habit, but I have to be prepared to see people, or else all bets are off.

7.) BADASS-NESS- I'm just...not. I scare no one. I craft. I drink tea. I go to bed early. I can barely pull off a leather jacket. One day, maybe. I did buy a jacket, but it was a medium brown color. I wasn't quite hip enough for black.

Ahhh Saturday. Sweet, sweet Saturday.

I did make this tonight, so I'm looking forward to all that!

What skills do you wish you had?

Blog Every Day in January: My Close Encounter with the Fashion Industry, and Mindy Kaling

(Did you read that title as I also had a close encounter with Mindy Kaling? Because unfortunately I didn't! Love my Mindy Project Tuesday nights.)

Today's topic is about a response to an article. This isn't one specific article so much as it is something that has popping up and drawing my attention.

Once (actually....twice) upon a time, I modeled in a fashion show. The only reason I ended up in that situation is because my mom is a hair stylist, and she did hair for runway shows for awhile. This particular show was a hair contest/ fashion show. So one cold winter break day, my mom and I drove to downtown Chicago so the designer and his assistant could measure me and get me in a dress.

As soon as I arrived, I felt entirely out of place. There were other models there. Ford models, to be exact. So they were the real deal. And there I was, lacking any makeup, feeling pretty self-conscious in my giant sweater.

This gorgeous, slender Asian woman walks in, takes one look at me and says "You're skinny. But I don't know if we have anything to big enough to fit you." Then another girl, one of my mom's clients, walks in. She was going to do a Phantom of the Opera dance number during the show. The woman takes a look at her and says "You are not skinny."

Just like that. No emotion. The girl wasn't offended (outwardly) and she had her own dress she could wear, but it was very strange. That was the only time I ever felt like a plastic object under inspection. And I hated it.

I actually tripped on that dress and ripped it later...oops....(My mom won the hair contest!)

Then there were those other girls, who put their bodies on display like that every single week. They were just canvases for designers to put their garments on, and they had to fit the proper mold. Granted, that is the life they chose. But they did not seem happy. I don't know that for sure, but they all seemed so tense and wary of one another.

There was one girl I had been talking with while I ate my lunch, so I offered her one of my fries. Her eyes got wide and she actually said, "You let yourself eat that stuff?" I didn't know how to respond to that one. It's always weird when people judge your eating habits. I ate all the fries to prove a point. I don't eat french fries every day, but I'm also not married to a lifetime of kale.

So that brings me back to the article I want to comment on, which is here.

If you haven't seen what all the fuss is about, Elle magazine is featuring four different February covers. Each cover features a woman in television. The other covers are Amy Poehler, Zooey Deschanel and Allison Williams. Notice anything?

Via

All of these photos are gorgeous, but Mindy's is totally out of place. It doesn't seem like they chose to crop her body out of the shop and make it black and white on purpose. To me, it looks like an afterthought, and it doesn't flow with the other covers. The photo drains her of her shape and skin tone, and it lacks energy compared to the other three. 

Obviously, Elle representatives have not said "Mindy wears a size 8 so we couldn't show her body," but that's definitely what this looks like. I am not a fan of fashion magazines, personally. Some of the Elle articles are beautifully written, but the materialism and focus on the physical tend to bother me after awhile.

Growing up with a mother who was so immersed in the world of beauty and fashion, I got to see a lot of the ugly truth in that industry. A close friend of mine was also a model. It's not about eating well to promote health and get adequate exercise to keep your body energized. It's about minimizing and wasting away. 

To be honest with you, I'm not even impressed with the plus-size models that are more popular than ever (see article here.) First of all, even they are expected to shrink down. "Plus size" now is a size 10 or 12. And I'm still bothered because it's ALL about the body. "Embrace your curves like a real woman!"

Also, can we please stop using the phrase "real woman"? Being shaped like a beanpole doesn't make you some sort of Pinocchio woman. Lacking curves does not make you a "fake woman." Neither does being a size 6, 12, or 22. 

Look, health is important. But everyone is healthy at a different size, and skinny does not automatically equal healthy. 

Do appearances matter? Yes. We are visual, and we draw cues from people we don't know based on their appearance. But they are not everything. 

It gets exhausting when major industries prey on women's insecurities to make money, and when people like Mindy Kaling and Jennifer Lawrence are cropped or morphed into some tinier version of themselves because they don't fit into the Hollywood box. None of us are dolls, and the outside is just the beginning of everything we are. What a shame it is to waste such a huge percentage of our lives trying to change the outside to what the world wants, instead of focusing on the things that really matter.