On beauty and loving our bodies.

I don't typically watch any videos that come across my twitter or Facebook feeds, but I was intrigued when Huffington Post mentioned something about women's unexpected moments of feeling beautiful.  Even on my lunch break at work and at eight minutes long, I had to watch the video.


[via Huffington Post Women] I promise this video is worth your eight minutes.  I was struck by the poem at the end; it brought me to tears.  According to the video, "85% of girls 8-10 believe they are overweight. 45% have already started dieting."  At first glance, these numbers are saddening and shocking, but then when I really think about it they aren't.   Females are socialized to be competitive with one another: the richest, skinniest, most popular, etc.  As times and the media have changed, I believe this is a problem that is only growing (blogs, social media, and reality tv amongst others are partially to blame).  The lack of conversation, real and deep talk, about body image contributes to our skewed views of ourselves.  This article has always stuck with me; even the words we don't say make an impact.    I grew up in a family where communication was (and still is) basically nonexistent.  Body image and loving myself was never discussed.  My mother was always yo-yoing between weights and diets.  No one in my family is active.  As I've learned being an adult, eating healthy is difficult on a small income.  When it comes to positive body image, these components can be insignificant.  Seeing beauty and loving your own body is all about perspective. "I was on this pursuit of changing myself," says Corry in the video.  For as long as I can remember, I've been on this same journey.  It has only been within the past two years or so that I have come to appreciate this body I have.  We can't change the images we see on social media or in magazines, but we can appreciate, love, and own that we are who we are.  We can teach our sons and daughters that people are beautiful in so many ways. "Speak truth into our own lives." My truth comes from acknowledging who I am and what I love about me.  These are my truths:

• I am beautiful.
• I feel best about me when I'm sweating {and healthy}.
• I have an hourglass shape to be proud of.
• My legs are strong and carry me for many miles.
• I'm graced with a chest that makes shirts look good on me.
• I am an introvert and observer.
• I'm happy with my bad eyes because I get to wear glasses which I love.
• My hips give me curves and might help me birth a child someday.
• My eyes are green or hazel or just mysterious.
• I love what my body is capable of.
• I feel most beautiful when my body accomplishes something I never thought it could.

What are your truths?  What journey have you been on when it comes to body image?  When do you feel most beautiful?

Beauty routine :: Shower Essentials.

It's no secret I'm on a budget.  I'd rather spend my hard-earned money on travels or fashion.  I've recently discovered some items just make me feel better!  Luckily, these items can be found at my budget-friendly Target!

1.  Organix Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo & 2. Conditioner - I fell in love with Organix when we went to DC.  Our hosts had some in their shower.  I loved the way it made my hair feel all day long.  I was hooked.  The great thing is that you can pick these up usually at your local grocery store.  I linked my to Target, but personally I ordered mine from Ulta.  They were (and still are!) having a buy one, get one 50% off sale, which sold me.  Another positive I'll note about Ulta is that I also received Organix samples with each bottle.  I'm looking forward to trying a couple of other Organix products that I normal wouldn't buy.  As a rule, I think these retail somewhere between $5-$8.  I'm more than willing to dish out a bit more for the way these make my hair feel.

3.  EOS (Evolution of Shave) Shave Cream in Raspberry Pomegranate - Another amazing Target find.  It's only $3.50.  It has an awesome pump and comes in a plastic bottle (thank you no more rust rings!).  You can use it for a wet or dry shave (you know those mornings I decide to wear a skirt to work but haven't shaved in 2 days weeks).  It's a creamy lotion-type cream.  I can't say that I have irritable skin, but I've never had a problem with this cream.

4.  Up & Up Body Conditioning Body Wash with Shea Butter - I've never noticed a difference in using store brand body washes compared to brands like Oil of Olay.  I go for the bigger bang for my buck.  This bottle is between $2-$3 in my Target.  It's a creamy body wash that gets the job done.

There you have it!  My shower essentials that are easy on the wallet.

What are your favorite shower necessities?  

Late weekend updates.

You guys, this week has been busy.  We did have a pretty kick-ass weekend, which was the perfect way to end my spring break (41 days, 41 days of school left). (Oh, and you can totally see these in "real time" if you follow me on Instagram!)

 [This guy overwhelming my work space]

 [Trying to perfect the sock bun...not sure it will ever happen]

 [Layers, boots, and a messy room]

 [Beer, beer, and beer.  Think extreme...beer in tequila barrels.  Holy hangover]

 [I started my mini-happiness project early]

 [A million cuddles with my favorite]

 [Amazing bike ride to Tasty Beverage for beer, cheese and crackers.  Guarantee I'll be doing this shit weekly.]

After such an amazing end of the week/weekend, I had to find a mantra for the week.  

To be honest, the beginning of the first day back to school was awful.  I almost broke down in tears.  It ended up being ok though.  I did start my day with yoga and really tried to focus on the positive.  I ended my day by winning something (I NEVER win) and coming home to our chicken coop!  More to come on the coop later!

Here's to a quick hump day and speedy Friday so we can start our weekend!

Love lately.

Seriously guys, it's been boring around here.  I've been going to work and the gym and crashing (add a little drinking in there too).  School has been bombarding me with meetings and new students amongst everything else.  I've been obsessing about next month's budget (which is depressingly slim with my new loan payments kicking in).  This is all boring though.  To bring my spirits up, here are a few things I've been loving lately.

Source: maintain-internal-heights.tumblr.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Yoga - My goal was to go to the 7:30 beginner yoga class at the gym every Monday.  Since I had MLK day off, I switched to the daytime gentle yoga class.  I'm loving going to yoga regularly.  I tried out a "regular" yoga class on Saturday, and it was crazy tough for me.  I'm going to stick to beginner and gentle yogas for a bit until I increase my skills.  It has been really relaxing, and I love that I feel sore the next day!

Lipstick - I mentioned earlier this month that I was interested in trying lipstick.  You all gave me some great recommendations and encouragement, so I decided to go for it.  I ultimately got an orangey-coral color (which I think will be more suited for spring or summer when I am not quite so pale) and took Stephanie's recommendation for Covergirl's Spellbound (which is a fushia).  I was pretty nervous about it, but lipstick definitely makes me feel more grown up and pretty.

Source: theveganstoner.blogspot.com via Kristin on Pinterest

Vegetarianism + other related ventures - While I still don't love cooking (nor have I been doing a great deal of it), I love finding new and awesome vegetarian recipes.  I've discovered the awesomeness of overnight oats and plan to post on that soon.  My Pinterest boards are bombarded with vegetarian/pescatarian recipes that I'm vying to use.  D has me trying a juice cleanse this week, so I'll let you know how that goes (or doesn't go...I'm scared to death of three days without coffee + tackling a new student and meeting at school).  Overall, I feel much better with myself when I'm not eating meat.