Under Construction

So I thoroughly enjoy blogging. I love writing. I love getting everything in this crazy head out and in paper. Everyday it feels like a constant iphone sign with “Not enough memory.” We are currently living in Tampa. Last week we had the scare of our lives thinking Irma was going to hit us head on at a CAT 5. A WEEK of anxiety to get a CAT 2. I mean I’m glad we didn’t get hit but my wallet was hit with that CAT 5. Not only did I have to spend an absurd amount on food and supplies but my leasing company went and charged me a late fee of almost 200.00.

My anxiety is at an all time high and with no insurance I want to channel all my energy in this blog. I am dedicating at least 20 min to learning a little more on how to use word press. I hope to make more interweb friends on here. And learn to let go easier.

 

How Things Have Changed

Hello all from the lighting capital of the world TAMPA, FLORIDA. Get ready because we are trying to. Hubby and I are relocated to Florida. Never would I have thought we would be here. But look at this how life throws us changes. Either we take them or sit still waiting for things to just happen. We moved in the matter of about three weeks and it has been one hell of a ride!

From Rags to Minimalist

So I have been on the road of self discovery for some time now but its finally settling in. I’ve recently  found the life of Minimalism. I was able to give away about 3 bags of clothes but it is over whelming. Honestly it was so hard to start. Between my boyfriend and I we had clothes all over. It was so overwhelming I constantly found myself sitting on the edge of the bed with my head in my hands.

The three bags were just mine and they are gallon size garbage bags. We are taking the bags to Platos Closet so maybe I can be happier with the process. As the clothes piles were getting smaller I found it harder and harder to give things up. But at the same time I also noticed how much of the clothes were so cheaply made. I noticed I had more cheap, broken clothes than quality clothes.

I went online to research how much quality clothes cost and I almost had a heartache. Between having my heart hurt from getting rid of clothes to seeing how much money quality clothes cost I had about two panic attacks. I started to realize why I had such a problem with minimalism.

I grew up poor. My parents were very young and we had struggled for everything we have. As soon as I started to get “adult money” I started to buy to replace all the wants I ever wanted as a child. Its hard to say out loud or write it down but its the truth. This is something I have to put my focus on now. I have to realize that it is ok and BETTER to spend 90.00 on a pair of Levi jeans if they last me 3 years than to buy 9 pairs of 10 dollar jeans that will last me 3 months.

This is a hard road of self discovery but I’ve been on it for nearly 4 years and its the best and ONLY thing I’ve whole heartedly stuck to and its made me happy. Every year I get better. I can feel it. My heart just keeps growing with love and letting go of anger, hate, anxiety, and revenge.

I really do love me and this smile is genuine. If theres any minimalist out there that can send me any brand advice I would love to hear it! xO

Pursuit of Happiness

I’ve always been on a hunt. I don’t ever exactly know what I’m looking for but I am always looking. I’ve been called different names a wanderlust, a searcher, ADD, ADHD, spoiled, restless. All different names but it’s not my fault. I am looking for happiness. I find it for a short time but then it doesn’t make me happy anymore and I’m on to the next thing.

I moved to Indiana by myself when I was 22 with 100.00 to my name. I made it and loved it but eventually moved back home because I missed my family. I am starting to realize that THINGS do not make me happy. What truly makes me happy are adventures, hard times, good times, all memories, people, myself and love.

This brings me to always search and learn. New locations, lifestyles, mantras, hobbies, and skills. Recently I started to research what is Minimalism and I am glad I did. Although this has been about a month of research I am feeling better even just THINKING about living my life as a Minimalist. I recently found a documentary on Netflix and had the hubby watch. Even though I appreciate this lifestyle I need to introduce it to him slowly, he’s not one for radical change. I can not wait to get rid of all the bins of clothes and shoes!

We will be living in South Carolina within two years and we will live our dream life. Hubby and I have went over it hundreds of times and I’m so happy to say that we are both on the same page. I can not picture myself living in this rat race any longer. I want to make my family and myself happy. The Law of Attraction works and I just need to really start focusing on my happiness. I will no longer let any negativity in my circle.

Life is good but it can always be better. I’m not sure what being an adult is but I know what I am going to make it. Hopefully just don’t lose my mind on the pursuit of it.

Back From Florida

Hubby and I came back from Florida last Wednesday. I can still say we are both not fully settled lol. We were only there for 9 days but man does it really throw me off. This trip was defiantly anything I expected. It really showed me how much I have grown. It tested my patience, anger, self love, and my relationship. I don’t really want to get into every detail but staying with another persons family or friend that I personally have not spent time with before I will not stay with them.

I am actually really happy that it was such a tough trip. I am now on the road AGAIN to my zen. I am bringing nothing but positivity to my life. Before I even take my first step I will be saying my positive mantras. I am calm, cool, and collected. I will not continue to let negativity affect my life.

I am saying it today I WILL LIVE IN South Carolina. I am giving my self the MOST three years. I will be there and I WILL start my family there.

I Work Out

 

So it has been a solid two weeks of dedication. Hubby and I have really taken to getting into out fitness. We have cut down on the amount of fast food we eat. I started to cook some meals rather than only relying on him to feed us.

I started to make sure I eat at least 5 times a day. Three meals and two snacks, although it seems to turn into three snacks and two meals. I have been really changing my relationship with food and am truly enjoying the journey.

I ran my first mile in years. Although it was 11 minutes I shaved off 3 seconds of my time already. I love what my body is able to do. I am still learning to use my mind over my body. I can get in the zone but it doesn’t last as long as I would like. Slowly but surly I am building the healthiest I can be.

Goals

As long as I could remember I always had goals for myself and lists. As much as I remember the goals and lists I also remember not finishing most them. One of the main goals I’ve always had to lose weight. About 3 years ago I started to really focus on it and through out these three years I’ve strongly maintained between the 15 I want to lose. I am tired of this constant battle.

Last year I got down to my goal weight of about 135 but then it was a short victory because 5 pounds came back quick. Recently I’ve been really focusing on my food and water intake. I’ve been learning more and skipping less meals. My mentality has changed and I want to be healthy I do not want to be skinny. I want to be able to do a cartwheel without worrying. I want to be able to run a mile no worries.

This time around I really want to learn as much as I can about nutrition. I want to fuel my future children the right way. Growing up and being raised by young parents fast food was a staple to our diet. When my parents separated food became a comfort. Renewing a 27 year old relationship is hard but this time I am dedicated. Today we are going to sign up for the gym and tomorrow starts our first gym day. Ive been looking for a new hobby and my fitness will be it.

If I did it before I can do it again. I started to learn about my macros. Its a bit confusing but I really do enjoy it. MyFitnessPal is also such a huge help! So here it goes again!

Rough And Tough

Hello I am back again with another DIY Beauty post. This new one is now a new face mask miracle. In one of my many, many trips through Pinterest I saw many different type of face masks. I originally tried baking soda and Apple Cider Vinegar. It was a nice mask but it burned and left my skin really coarse.

So the next go around I added a teaspoon of activated charcoal powder. I didn’t realize how much I was actually going to make thankfully my wonderful hubby brought me home a bunch of these white and black containers and I was able to save the rest.

I put about 4 tablespoons of ACV in a plastic cup about 4 shakes of baking soda and a spoon of activated charcoal powder. Don’t worry when you add the baking soda and it starts to fizzle. After all of the mixing it will turn into a paste. When all is mixed, put the paste on and let harden. It will sizzle, harden, and turn gray. When I wash the mask off I wash it off with my hands and then I use a face towel and wash in circular motions.

It is my best face mask I have made. My skin feels the softest and cleanest it has in a while! My skin also feels tighter. I definitely  suggest trying it out!

Energy Suckers & a Revelation

It’s hard to really protect yourself from all the negative energy and patterns in the world. Even though I try my best to not get sucked in. Some of the people I am forced to spend my time with are very negative and these energy suckers. They wish bad behind your back and spit venom every time they speak about you. They only wish the worse for you and hate to see you succeed. They want to plant seeds of hate and anger in you and help to grow them. I have fallen for traps that they have placed but we can only recognize and grow. I know that I have grown and continue to. About two days ago I woke up feeling brand new. I can’t really explain it but it was like someone shut off my over caring button.

I truthfully just do not care about things that do not affect me. I am surrounding myself with only people that want the best for me. I will only think positive thoughts and partake in positive experiences. I CHOOSE not to be upset, anxious, worried, and anything but happy.

The most important aspect that I have realized is that other peoples opinions and feelings do not have anything to do with me. They do not affect me at all. I also noticed how much better I feel when I don’t say I’m sorry for everything. You know why because I 99% of the time was not truly sorry. Someone else drops something, “oh I’m sorry” someone bumps into me “oh I’m sorry” someone is having a shitty day “oh I’m sorry” nope not anymore. You dropped something? here I’ll pick it up, you’re welcome. someone bumps into me, turn and deep stare until they apologize (lol not really I just keep it moving.) you’re having a shitty day? maybe you’re having the day you deserve.

I am first. And this does sound a little me, me, me but it does not have anything to do nor affect my family and close circle of friends. I will always be me but I will be more selective with who I will let see me.

 

 

Coco and Peanut Butter Oats

One day my co-worker walks in with a mason jar with what looked like lumpy goo. As I asked he informed me it was Overnight oats. The other day I had a flash back of this conversation and went to my handy dandy Pinterest and picked three recipes to try. I made my list and headed to the super market (which I hate but I was determined and cheap.)

The first receipt I tried was Coco and Peanut Butter Overnight Oats

1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt

1/2 cup rolled oats

2/3 cup unsweetened milk of choice

1 tablespoon chia seeds or flax seed

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons peanut butter

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

Pinch of salt

0-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

My first try I used

Unsweetened Almond Milk

1 tablespoon honey

I tolerated it. I did not love it. It was actually super biter. I used original coco and also just one table spoon of honey. Next time I will use either 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup. But it did fill me up for much longer than scrambled eggs and I felt so adult that I was able to actually follow through!

Tomorrow will be my Apple Sauce cinnamon experience!

Real Time Product Review

My worse quality I have is the inability to trust. The number one thing I do not trust are companies and products. I research the hell out of products before I finally choose one to purchase. I am so frugal about things but hey its my hard earned money. So you will only get real life reviews of products and always keep it real.

So I am very very light skinned. Recently I showed two different co-workers my legs from my ASAP Smoothie and they both reacted with such shock when they saw how pasty my legs are. So from then on I have been researching for the best self tanner. I have tried Jergen’s but it takes a little too long to build up that tan and wanted something better and faster working.

From many reviews I stumbled upon St. Moriz Instant Tanning Mouse. It had nothing but good reviews over all. The only negative reviews I read were of the way shipping was handled. I found this great deal for 2 for 15 and just went to grab the link and it is now 10.78 best deal EVA ! So this is the best time to try. They sell one for 10.00 at my local Walgreens.

The pictures up top are obviously my legs and this is only after one time applying. I put it on right after my night time shower and exfoliating. When I woke up I was especially surprised to find there were no streaks! It was all put on evenly. It does have that spray tan smell. This picture is after my morning shower. The tan lasts more than I expected. This is defiantly a great build on tan. It does get darker with every apply. Don’t worry about being too dark each wash you lose about 20%. And you need to use gloves!! I got too excited and put it on with my hands and my palms looked like I was making mud pies in my backyard.

I took a poll with some people and it was great! Especially from my boyfriend who hates me tanning or self tanning. He said he was shocked at how dark I was and not orange like when I get a spray tan at the salon. So if you need some color especially before summer give this a try!

A.S.A.P Smoothie

 

 

So recently I’ve been really interested in do it myself projects. Especially anything that is organic and will save me some damn money. One that I have perfected is what they call the natural hair removal but I’d call it the Natural Hair Reducer.

So save your coffee grounds for this one! It’s a two part recipe that I love. Just save all your coffee grounds. I like to only take about two tablespoons at a time in a container and add some Extra Virgin Olive Oil. I like to add enough that the coffee grounds are moist but not drenched.

Now all you do is rub this on your hairy parts. So we’ll take your legs for example. Take this mix and rub onto your legs for about 3 min. Its an amazing exfoliant and I love coffee so my showers smell delicious. I’ve used this for about a month and can really tell that my hair is getting lighter.  Not as in color but quantity. lol.

Try it out and let me know what you think!! Also any other recipes like these!