The Face

Awkward Alert!
So, I started my period the other day, and usually I can pretty much tell when it's coming because my body gives off signs (the typical bloating and breakouts), but it took me by surprise this time! Which is actually really cool, because I had a pimple or two, but not the usual 'break out'.
Y'know what that means?
Plan "Become a VS Hottie" is working!!
Awkward Alert Over

Just by eating better I have seen improvement over the last week! Which is remarkable. I can't imagine what it will be like when I actually consistently work out.

With that, here's some tips to help your complexion:

Charlize Theron, you clear-skinned bitch

1) Figure out what type of skin you have (oily, dry, combination).  You can do this by going to a make-up store, looking it up online, or just feeling/looking at your skin.  This is an important step because it determines the products you buy for your face.  Going to a dermatologist is another great option because they will figure it out for you and then prescribe some heavy duty stuff, which works wonders.  The cheaper route is to buy through Arbonne, Mary Kay, or Wexler.  I use Wexler, which I buy through Bath and Body Works, which is actually very affordable and works well!

My faves are the exfoliating cleanser and the  overnight acne lotion.
This starter kit is only $29.50 at Bath and Body Works!

Face wash that I use

2) CLEAN YOUR FACE! When you wake up, use a facial cleanse, not just soap and water, which can be harsh on your skin.  After washing, if you have dry skin, put on moisturizer (with SPF!).
I also like to wash my skin and redo my make-up in the middle of the day too because I live in AZ and it's hot as hell here because of sweat and clogged pores.  Before bed, wash it up more thoroughly and lather with whatever acne cream you have. :)

Bad, Pope, Bad!

3) Don't touch your money maker! By touching your face, you're adding the germs, dirt, and oils from your hands to your face...bad bad bad.

4) Don't PICK your face. This is a hard one for me, but by popping those pimples you can create scarring and you actually end up elongating that pimples staycation on your face.  Another sad truth is that the grodiness in that zit will act like a dandelion once popped and spread zits over your face.  Just. Don't. Do. It.

5) Eat right and exercise! How you take care of your body, internally and externally, will show on your face.  By exercising you decrease redness by increasing oxygenation, and you also detoxify the impurities in your skin through your sweat!  Also, omega 3 (as in..fish) is great for your skin, as is B3 vitamins (avocados), Vitamin A (mangos), and Vitamin E (almonds).

6) Drink water! "Water...is the essence of moisture..." Ohhh Zoolander. It's true, ya'll. Moisture will create youth in your skin. Water will turn over the cells in your skin.  Drink about eight glasses of water--if you're dehydrated you will show it on your face.

I hope that encourages you! :)

Much Love,,
This Girl

Confessional Friday

Why not. I'm teaming up with Morgan and Leslie and doing my very own Confessional  Friday post!

1. I confess that I am really excited for April 1st to get here already, because I get to go on my Facebook again! It's been a good month, and I haven't missed FB too bad, but I have missed keeping up with the boy in that way.

2. I confess that I am seriously considering becoming a Special Educator.

3. I confess that I almost had a breakdown in Michaels yesterday because I was PMSing and I was tired and overwhelmed.

4. I confess that I told my boyfriend that his dog died when his dog had actually...not died. (I didn't know that second part, I promise!!)

5. I confess that I am deathly alergic to rabbits.

I hope you enjoyed, I thought it was fun :)

Love Much,,
This Girl

inspiration

Dearest Morgan posted this in reply to my progress report:

Don't kick yourself about eating those sugary snacks, you did it, and there's no going back...only moving forward! You enjoyed them and that's great, but remember how you felt after eating all that? Well, remember that feeling the next time you're tempted! That's so good you chose water! You're on the right track :) Don't forget, IT'S OKAY to indulge once in a while. It's not like you should never eat a brownie again, or never taste soda as long as you live. It's just instead of drinking soda 4 times a day...drink water 3 of those ;) I'm not sure if you're a big "snacker" like I am, but my mom and sister and I all text each other though out the day saying "no snacking :)" or something along the lines of "instead of a handful or goldfish crackers, or chips, eat a handful of carrots" it's a great reminder and works really well! I went shopping yesterday and stayed on the OUTER PERIMETER of the grocery store...if you think about it...we start getting into trouble when we move to the inside isles (99% of the time) because on the inside there is fatty foods (chips, candy, frozen meals, etc.) are located. Don't bring those things home, because then you don't have an option of eating those things :) best of luck on your journey! being healthy is something we're ALL working on, so don't feel alone on this ;)

How sweet is SHE??! Love you lots, lady! Thank you for the helpful tips, those are all reeeeally good.
I am a snacker, I graze...and I just like having things in my mouth--always have. I chew a lot of gum to keep from gnawing on pencils and pens (I'm a teether, I admit it :]). Just rethinking what I'm snacking on is great. I've started bringing bags of carrot to school with me, and when I'm snacky I get wheat crackers and hummus and chow down on that. Also, my achiles heel are sweet drinks, the sweeter the better. But by limiting myself to one of them for dessert, and then drinking water, I am making a better choice and helping myself not snack as much. A lot of times that hungry feeling really means you're thirsty!

The accountability texting is a grand idea!! I will do this.
Also, sticking to the outer perimeter of the grocery aisle--brilliant! Because I have a shopping weakness I usually avoid malls (for example, I went into VS today to get free underwear and left with a bag full of products!! But...they were on sale ;)), so avoiding those aisles is a good idea. I have heard that you shouldn't eat hungry, either, because then you're more likely to buy more food and unhealthy foods.

Just some good tips that I am learning and trying to apply to my life. :)
Also:
I deserve a gold star for going to the movies yesterday and drinking water and eating veggie chips that I brought with me!

Finally, an inspiring photo:

                                    


Much love,
This Girl

Progress Report

Pretty much as soon as I decided to get fit every good not good food came out to get me. I was offered lots of free fatty and sugary things this week and I accepted almost all of them. And I deeply regret it. Those moments of deliciousness may seem worth it, but they are not. Because in the end the food is gone and you have more calories and fat. I'd rather eat better (which can also be delicious) now and ignore those icky bad foods, and then get those consequences, rather than the consequences of eating poorly.
What you put into being healthy and fit, you will get out.
SO, last night I was getting my hair done (slowly going blond) and they offered me soda...
"Do you want something to drink? We have soda!"
"Yes...I want soda....but I will just have a water, thanks."
So, there's a step in the right direction, haha. I'm going to take this seriously. I want to.

I also really struggled with working out this week. As in...I didn't. At all. I think after I post this I'm going to go do some yoga. I was going to hike but I couldn't will myself to move out of my bed this morning.
It's always been a struggle for me to work out, because I struggle with depression and when I'm depressed I just want to sleep or not move, which is the opposite of what I should do! Exercise gives endorphins and those make you happy! Whenever I'm active I'm always happier. That's why I love my Wednesday night volleyball games and Saturday Frisbee games.

Lastly, I am considering doing a cleanse...my friend Samantha did one and now my friend Morgan is...I don't know if I can afford it or not but I'm going to look into it and maybe meet with Samantha, because I have many much questions about it.

That's all for now!

Much Love,,
This Girl

VS Body

I want to look like a VS model...for a long time I have openly expressed how I want a "VS butt". I know some of it is photo-shopped...but some of it is not...just look at the fashion show! They are fit, glowing, flawless goddesses.
So, I just looked up how to become a goddess myself!

LOOK AT THEM!!

Reading through the site I saw that a lot of my habits must change. I need to cut out processed foods (goodbye fast food and pizza), and carbs (rice and pasta, you too), and my sugar binges (cookies, cakes, candies). I'm really happy I cut out my soda streak (or at least down) I rarely drink it now, and recently discovered that drinking caffeine after 2 PM prevents you from REM sleep, which is the deepest and most restful cycle of sleep.  However, I am still addicted to Snapple (and prolly always will be...education and delicious? I think yes), but I will cut down on my intake.

Another thing I need to do is start working out....haha, what a concept, right?
I try and jog every once in a while but have been so sleepy lately I haven't gotten to. There's also a hiking trail that's a five minute walk from my house (perfection much?) and a Y down the road. I am going to make this a priority.

I have never actually set my mind on eating right or being physically active, but I'm going to. It's a goal of mine now. VS body, you WILL be mine!!! (Eek...I sound like a rapist).

If oyu wanna check out the tips and ideas from the site, it is here. It actually seems fairly doable. I'll keep you posted on my journey--I plan on starting this ASAP.

Much love,
This Girl

Boston FUN

Remember when we were in Boston and we went into that big music store? We aimlessly flipped through the CDs and then you found this one. I though the cover was awesome and you said they had good music. You purchased the CD and when we got back to the car you popped it in and opened it with this. I fell in love the minute I heard the first accordion cord, because I'm that kind of girl. We listened and drove through the pouring rain on the freeway, quickly spilling into traffic and sitting in silence. You held my hand in yours over the clutch, and had your other hand on the wheel. We listened to music and I quizzed you on driving laws (of all things).
Remember when we got to the big tunnel and I said we had to hold our breath? So, we did. And we could see the light at the end, but were stuck in more traffic. My heart beat against my chest and my lungs burned for oxygen but I wasn't giving up. You found an opening and gunned it through the traffic like a maniac and we let out a collective sigh at the end. Our lungs filled with fresh air and the car with our laughter.
Whenever I hear this song, I remember that.
Imissyou


Love much,,
This girl

You be you, girl!

I have a low self-esteem...and it's very irritating to me and others. I'm kind of tired of it.
I will compile a list of things I'm good at:

• Horse back riding
• Art
• Party Planning
• Fencing
• Acting
• Dancing
• School
• English
• Decorating
• Listening
• Teaching
• Babysitting
• Encouraging

I need to stop this nonsense...I'm beautiful and uniquely hand crafted by the God of the Universe!! C'mon, now! And y'know what?? THAT is where my identity comes from...not from helping others, and not from academics. I want to start caring more about Jesus and....as selfish as it sounds, ME. Less about how others feel about me and less about my grades. I want good grades but not to the point of knots, no sleep, and depression.

I want to tell myself...YOU BE YOU, GIRL!

:]

Attraction

Me: What attracted you to me?
Him: -after much hmm-ing and haa-ing- You were a cool girl. You were someone I could talk to. You're also beautiful, that helped. You were different. You didn't flirt, you were just easy to talk to and fun. You were a beautiful cool girl I could talk to without stuttering!
Me: I think for me....it was your hair.
Him: -laughing- You liked my messy hair?
Me: I did...it drew me to you. -laughing too- It sounds shallow but I just really think you're super attractive. AND you're funny...I noticed how you always smiled and were happy and easy to talk to. You were nice.

The Amazing Race

I adore this show. You have no idea, guys. I watch it every season!
This season I'm routing for these two:

They are FANTASTIC. So funny and full of heart--they just are who they are.
Seriously, I love this show like I love Snapple...and I LOVE Snapple.
When I saw a Travelocity gnome in a California shop last year I almost bought it because I love this show.

He was bejeweled...AH!

Seriously...it's on my bucket list to go on this show, and wouldn't you know that my boyfriend is in the Coast Guard and I really think we would ROCK IT.
I'm always telling him that I'll get us on the show and he'll win it for us. :] Because I'm quirky and he's strong and capable. We can be team Sarathan..or Jonarah...or just the winning team. Whatevskies.
But for reals, I have our strengths mapped out AND our outfits.

Strengths:
Him: strong like the Hulk, a good swimmer, determination and endurance, overall fit as a beast, patient (when he wants to be), good at soccer, knowledgeable, smart, will eat ANYTHING, will try anything, really tall, intimidating, good with money, good with airports, good with weapons, good with directions, musically gifted, good at cooking.
Me: Acting, singing, dancing skills, smart, good at memorizing, good at art, willing, determined, hard working, quick study, flexible, small, good endurance, can ride a horse, jogger, good with kids, smart.

In the meantime...I think having an "Amazing Race" date, would be fine, too. ;)

With Love,
This Girl

Question of the Week!

Do you celebrate the things you do have?

Goodbye Facespace-Hello March!

Are ya'll aware of how much we waste our time? Maybe you don't think you do, but I know that I do. I fill my days with things I feel like I need to do, but in actuality I don't. In turn, those things that really should be done--those things God has placed in my heart--get buried under those immediate busy things.
I don't think that's how God wants it.
Y'know, as a way of relaxing from the stress of the day, I go on Facebook and spend an hour or more just banging around, checking out what people are doing and looking at pictures and commenting on things. Not to say that this isn't good...but at the same time--it takes up so much time. Also, when I'm doing homework, I'll reward myself with it. Then I'm up all night doing an assignment that would only take me, what? An hour-two?
Another way I waste time is worrying. God says to not worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself...He says not to be anxious about anything but with prayer and thanksgiving let your petitions be known to Him..HE says to give our concerns to Him, because He cares about us.
He ALSO tells us to be good stewards.
I guess I'm just feeling very...God driven lately. Which is awesome and I'm very thankful for it. He's just laying things out in my life and leading me in such a way--golly, I don't know...I'm just so thirsty for Him!
I've noticed lately (with the help of Boyfriend) that I'm a big time people pleaser. I want to make people happy-I want them to like me soooo badly. Because I'm afraid they'll leave me otherwise...I'm afraid I'm not worth it, otherwise. It's like--I'm not valuable for me so I try and at least make myself useful.
That's not what God says about me...He says I'm valuable for who I am, not for what I do.
He's really teaching me who I am in Him...He's teaching me to be a God pleaser-not a people pleaser, and y'know what?? It is just SO freeing. I feel much happier lately and I'm discovering myself....and actually liking myself...
Which brings me back to being a steward.
People get caught up in the business of life and what they "should" be doing...they don't focus on God as much as they should or honor His things...by that I return to the stewardship concept.
Psalm 24:1, "The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in."
What is 'ours'? Is our money really ours? Is our time ours? No...nothing is. It's God's-and He's giving it to us, but that still doesn't mean that we really have any say over it. If a friend lent you fifty bucks and then the next day asked for it back...you'd give it back to them, right? Because it wasn't really your's in the first place. That's what it's like with God...And I've been convicted of this. I am a bad steward of my time. I waste so much of my time on facespace and on things that don't matter--that don't take precedence to what God's telling me to do.I deactivated my facebook for the month of March to use that time more wisely-namely to spend it at the feet of Jesus.

I want to challenge you to search in your lives for those things that are taking more precedence than time with Jesus. Look for what devours your time, look for ways that you're not being a steward. Look at Jesus!! He tells us that if we seek Him we will find Him! Seek is an active word! Christianity is not a faith of comfort-and Satan will try to convince you to be comfortable...to not go outside of your comfort zone or change things to honor God and not yourself. That's a trap-God wants to free you and bring you life--ABUNDANT life!! Choose Jesus, guys! Go after him wholeheartedly! RUN the race God put before you!
Also...Happy March first! :)

Lots of love,
This Girl