Blog Tour

The lovely lady known as Alisha has nominated me to take part in a blog tour!

If you have a spare second to take out of your hectic life then please go and check out her blog - you won't regret it! 

Here we go!

What are you working on?
So many things! I am working on finishing up the semester so that I can send my final transcripts in for nursing school! Eek! 

I am working on forming a relationship with my new baby horse - Remi. So far so good but the weather has not cooperated with me this week and I am totally bummed.

I am working on my Christmas list! I already bought Daniel some stocking stuffers but I need to start getting presents together for everyone.

I am also working on my fitness routine. You know me, constantly modifying.

How does your blog differ from others of its type/genre?
I don't know if I can say that my blog differs from others in the same genre but it is - simply put - me.  Everything on this blog has to do with life adventures, experiences, ups/downs, makeup, and my interests. Some might say I should focus on one thing, i.e. just makeup, or fitness, etc. but this blog is a reflection of myself and lets face it, my life doesn't totally revolve around makeup, horses, or working out - it's a mixture and that's how I like it!

Why do you write what you do?
I am just going to put it out there...I am a nosey person. I like knowing what people are wearing, what makeup they are obsessed with, what they are cooking/eating, and so on. A few summers ago I was alone in Raleigh (roommate left to go home and my boyfriend went home to farm for the summer). I kept working and living with my little pomeranian when I started reading blogs. I enjoyed learning what people liked and disliked and I felt connected to others who were going through/had gone through a similar experience. In my boredom and loneliness I decided that I wanted to start sharing aspects of my life to those who may find it interesting and/or helpful!

How does your writing process work?

Honestly the only set in stone process I have is the days of the week I blog. During the weekend I plan out the days I will blog for the week. Usually it's Mon, Wed, and Fri, but life happens and ideas either come or don't come and my days may switch. I just do the best I can :)

I am going to nominate:

Amanda at Marry Mint

&

Katie at Hot Tea and the Empty Seat

P.s. This girl is starting a new link-up next Wednesday so go check it out!

Thank you Alisha for nominating me. I really enjoyed this post and I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving Holiday!

Hopes and Plans

Hello and welcome to a short week everyone! 

I am thrilled that the Holidays are about to be in full swing!

For today I am linking up with Amanda to bring you my Hopes and Plans for the week.

1:: Get Boone's harness fixed. I have continuously dropped the ball on this one because he walks just fine without his harness but I really prefer him to be in it for security purposes.

2:: Consign clothes. This HAS to happen! I have a pile of clothes that have been chilling in the spare bedroom for a while just waiting for the fall weather to come around. Time to get rid of them!

3:: I am hoping that Thanksgiving day will go as planned. AKA Daniel and I will spend time with his family and then (hopefully!) make it to my parents without sitting in traffic for a long period of time. Here's to hoping!

4:: Ride the horses before going to my parents. This usually isn't a problem but with all the rain we have been getting I don't know how much I'll be able to squeeze in.

5:: Clean the house, completely, before going to my parents. This way I won't have to worry about the house when I get home on Sunday. I have high expectations for this one...

6:: Keep to a normal blogging schedule. I cannot guarentee this one because of the Holiday this week but I will try my best!

Confession Friday!

Time for some more confessions! Join the fun by linking up with Leslie!

Lets do this!

{1} Major confession time...

I have a new horse!! I haven't had a whole lot of time to play with him but his name is Remi and he was such a good boy today in this crappy weather. I have been super impressed with him so far.

{2} I confess that poor Boone was bit by something earlier this week and the top of his nose and lips swelled up! I have no idea what could have bit him but he is all better now!

{3} I confess that Daniel and I will be seeing Garth Brooks tomorrow night! I am very excited that my dad was able to get tickets.

{4} I confess I decorated my mantle. It happened. I had a vision of what I wanted to do and then it just happened! 

{5} I confess that I need to vacuum later today and I don't want to...

The struggle :)

Thankful Thursdays {Link-up}

Hey everyone! 

This week I am participating in a new link-up called Thankful Thursdays and you can join in by visiting this lovely lady here!

The topic of this week is when are you thankful?

-When Daniel takes the dogs out at night and first thing in the morning so I don't have to be out and about in the dark

-When my mom is there to listen. This includes everything from break-ups to new relationships, bad horse days and good horse days, bad grades and good grades, etc. Since I am on the mom topic I would like to say Happy Birthday Mom! :)

-When my dad always does his best to help me in any way he can. This includes helping me with school work (lots of school work), trying to understand why I was so emotional over a boy that really didn't matter, always picking up my favorite meals when I am back in town, taking my to my hair appointment when my mom was sick, etc. 

-When my sister calls randomly to ask random questions like "do you know where mom and dad are?" - Mind you I am about 3 hours away and have no idea. You may drive me crazy little one but you sure can put a smile on my face.

-When the dogs use the bathroom fast - especially now that it's cold.

-When my hard work pays off

-When the horses are good boys and girls and don't attempt to kill me in this cold, windy, weather

I hope you have a good Thursday and I will see you tomorrow for confession Friday!

What Living a Healthier Lifestyle Has Taught Me

I am changing it up a bit this week on my posting schedule! Trying a few new things since I have the time this week :)

My sophomore year of college I decided to make a lifestyle change. I decided that I was going to be a healthier version of myself. That was the easy part. I had no idea there would be so many struggles along the way - I mean, if you eat better and work out how can it be hard?? Well, trust me, it can be hard.

Here are a few things I have learned along the way.

1|| Being healthy includes a combination of eating well AND exercising

Don't get me wrong, just changing one habit (i.e. exercising when you never did or eating healthier in general ) is great, but if you want to see major results you need to change both. 

2|| Start with small changes and work your way up

In the beginning of my lifestyle change I made small changes. I cut out all pop/soda, I switched from white bread and white rice to wheat bread and brown rice, I ate smaller portion sizes, I started packing my meals, and I started listening to my body. If I was full I was done eating. Now I eat healthier than ever before and crave fruit and veggies. Crazy how that happens, right?!

3|| Don't get too crazed in your eating ways that you don't enjoy yourself

Eat dessert people. I knew I could not cut out all sweets or I would go crazy and binge later. In order to satisfy my sweet tooth I save dessert for special events or if I am absolutely craving something - ahem, female problems. 

4|| Set goals for yourself

While you know a lifestyle change is a definite positive, keeping the motivation to continue to eat well and get your butt to the gym is hard. We live busy lives and trying to incorporate something that may make us moan on days is difficult. Set little goals for yourself in order to keep motivated. I decided not to do a weight goal (but you certainly can!) and instead I opted for a how hard I workout goal. For example, when I first started doing cardio it was rough. I worked my way from a rough 20 minute cardio session to an easy 30 minute session. Once I was able to cardio it up for 30 minutes comfortably, I started adding intervals.

5|| You will take a few steps back

Be realistic with yourself and your workouts. I still have and will always have days where I struggle to do something that is normally easy. There are days I feel so crappy or tired that I don't even make it to the gym because I know it is not worth it. There are other days where I am struggling to do a workout that is normally easy. It happens. Just keep on going!

6|| Finding a routine that works best for you is hard

Incredibly hard! I am still working on this! There is no set amount of time/cardio/weight that will make you lose weight. Everyone's body is different and our bodies will react different to the same workout than someone else's. So I started out doing just cardio and learned that I have to do lots of high intensity intervals in order to lose weight (most people do). I did lose weight but then I decided that I wanted to be more toned so I started with weight and then started doing full body HIIT workouts. The full body HIIT workouts are great but I gained weight - granted it was muscle - but I was annoyed that my thighs weren't fitting into my jeans even though I liked the way I looked. Now I have swapped a day of full body HIIT for an extra day of high intensity cardio. It's all about adapting and changing! So far I am liking how this is working out and will keep it up for a while unless I feel that something else needs to be altered. 

Phew, just thinking about a lifestyle change can seem exhausting but I can promise you that I am incredibly happy with my choice and am so thrilled that I took the plunge. It is a tough road physically and mentally so I wanted to shed some light on some of the frustrations you will likely encounter. 

Confession Friday!

Hey lovelies! Another Friday has rolled around (hallelujah!) and it is cold here! 

Not freezing like some other states but when you go from 75 degree weather to 45 within a day...it seems even colder! 

How is the weather around your parts?

If you want to join the link-up click the button below!

{1} I confess that I thought I was outsmarting mother nature by doing my workout at home today. That way I wouldn't have to step outside/live outside until I make it to the horse show later this morning. Well the nuggets decided that mom's workout meant attack mom time! The struggle was real this morning. 

{2} I confess that I was late to jump on the bandwagon but last night Daniel and I finally watched A Fault In Our Stars. *Cue the tissues.* Totally lost it - not that I expected anything less.

{3} While I am on the topic of TV I will confess that I was also completely behind in life and started watching Supernatural on Netflix. Why did I not start watching this sooner?! Plus I may have a school girl crush on Jensen Ackles (Dean)

{4} I confess that my dad bought me this little frother for Christmas about two years ago and it has sat unappreciated until now. Now I am making my Chai latte's at home and wasn't very impressed until I started frothing almond milk and putting it on top. So good! 

That's all she wrote! 

Sgt. Reckless {Veteran's Day Post}

In the spirit of Veteran's Day, I first of all want to say thank you to all those who have and are serving our Country. I normally don't post on Tuesday's but I wanted to share a very heart warming story of a Veteran - her name was Sgt. Reckless.

She was the little pony that could. In fact, she was promoted twice to Staff Sergeant during her time in the Marines. If you have a second, take a moment to read her story. 

The Little Pony That Could

Have a good day!

Hopes and Plans {Link-up}

I was hoping to share my outfit from Saturday with you guys but I completely failed at taking a picture. I was distracted by the horse show on Saturday and commence picture failure! I'll have to wear the outfit again (not that I mind!) and will document it!

Instead of boring you with equestrian themed purchases, I will tell you what I need/should accomplish this week...Key word in that sentence being should.

1// I need to get Boone's harness fixed. I have failed at this for a few weeks now.

2// Consign more clothes! I need to make an appointment ASAP

3// Cook at the house. Yea, last week I don't think Daniel or I made a single dinner meal at the house. I already planned some meals for this week so lets see if I can stick to it!

4// Study, study, study. I have the first part of one of my finals this week - eek! 

5// Book a hotel for the tiny trip Daniel and I have planned this winter. That would be good.

Lets see if I can accomplish it all! I will not be in town at the end of the week so I better get on this. 

What do you have to get done/hope to get done this week?

Confession Day!

Head on over to Leslie's blog in order to partake in the fun!

{1} I confess that I like Taylor Swift's Shake If Off song...

This is a hard confession for me. I have never been a huge fan of her music but I have to give the lady credit for poking fun at herself! Plus the song is super catchy.

{2} I confess that I am on the hunt for black leggings. I have managed to stay away from leggings for a long time but I think this is the year I will finally get a pair. I am currently eyeing the Zella Live-in Leggings. They are available at Nordstrom and I would link you straight to the leggings except Nordstrom is currently down. 

Do you have a pair of leggings that you cannot live without? Please let me know!

{3} I confess that I am that crazy lady who is ready to decorate her house for Christmas. The only thing that is stopping me is Daniel. He does not believe in decorating before Thanksgiving and while I understand this and usually abide by the rule...the family I nanny for has completely decorated their house and since I walk into their house everyday and see the joys of Christmas I can't help but want it in my house!

{4} I confess that I bought peppermint bark today at the grocery store to tide myself over while waiting for December to roll around. Too early? Nah!

{5} I confess that I have Garth Brooks tickets for the end of this month and I cannot wait to see him live! I wasn't sure if this would work out so I am so excited that it has!

Do you have anything to confess?

October Favorites!

I am sad that October (my favorite month besides December!) is already over.

I discovered many new favorites in October and am excited to share them.

{1} The Body Shop's Vitamin C Facial Cleansing Polish

I love this cleansing polish. I use it interchangeably with my Clearasil but you can definitely use it every day. It has teeny tiny exfoliating beads and it smells incredible! I have always had a hard time with scented face wash's but the scent is just so nice.

{2} Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette

I have been wanting one of Hourglass's ambient lighting powders ever since they came out. When I stumbled across this trio I thought how perfect! Instead of one I can have three! While they are not full-sized, you get a large amount of product. I am a highlighter freak and I have to say that these powders are flawless and give such a nice glow. 

{3} NARS Orgasm

I was late to jump on the bandwagon but I finally got this blush and I am now part of the cult. Gorgeous!

{4} Maybelline Brow Drama

Love it. It fills in my brows just enough and they look so natural but a better version of my natural brows. It isn't a product that fills in your brows so if that is what you want then skip this. If you don't want to fill in your brows every day and want to make them a little neater and put together in a flash then you will love it!

{5} Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lip Color in Touch of Spice

This is a phenomenal line of lipstick. True perfection. These lipsticks are matte but so creamy and apply flawlessly! I love all the colors but I have been wearing Touch of Spice all the time. It is such a nice color that you can wear every single day. 

{6} MAC Mythology

Such a great, versatile, color. I've really enjoyed putting Woodwinked on my lid and putting Mythology on my outer corner and smudging it under my eyes.

{7} Essie Hot Cocoa

Such a great color. I change my nail polish often and I always tend to grab this one and use it often.

Healthy Chicken Salad

I have been wanting to make a healthier version of chicken salad for a while and I finally got around to doing it! 

It is super simple and will not take you much effort at all. Win, win - yeah?

Oh and if you make a ton like I did then you will have meals for the week!

You will need:

-Boneless/skinless chicken breasts (I used four)

-Lemon juice or a lemon

-Grapes

-Plain greek yogurt (I used fate 17.6 ounce)

-Grapes

-Almond Slivers

-Walnuts

-Anything else to your liking

Directions:

-Cook and shred your chicken breasts. I cooked mine in the crockpot

-Once chicken is cool add greek yogurt. I ended up using all of my greek yogurt since I had four chicken breasts shred up

-Add half a lemon (or whatever suits your taste)

-Slice grapes in half and add to chicken and greek yogurt mixture

-Add almond slivers, walnuts, etc

*The great thing about this recipe is that you can make it to your liking. That is why I don't have exact measurements. It's so easy!

I let mine sit overnight and was very pleased with the results today at lunch. I stuck mine on some lettuce but you can also pop your chicken salad into peppers! I plan on doing this also.

You can also eat this with blue chips or your favorite crackers. 

Next week I plan on making stuffed(isn) sweet potatoes. We'll see how it goes!

P.S. Tune in Wednesday for my October favorites!