You are what you eat?

I have to admit, I've been on bit of a health kick lately.

pinterest.com

Probably about a month ago I gave up my beloved Diet Coke and tried to start eating better.

It has definitely been a struggle. Diet Coke and I were BFF's. But, I came to a realization that there is nothing that my body needs from DC. What my body really needs is water and a lot of it. I have been carrying my pink Camelbak water bottle everywhere I go.

More recently I have started working out. I have been doing a mixture of different things including: Cardio, Pilate's, and ab work outs that I get on Netflix. Ab, cardio, leg, and other exercises that I have found on pinterest. 

Today, my friend Katie talked me into running the Color Run with her in August. I will start training for that soon. I have never ran a 5K so it will be a nice accomplishment. (and crazy fun!)

I have been eating lots of fruits and veggies. I also just started using this. It helps me realize the quality or lack there of, of what I'm eating.

I have been getting a little bit of heat for this life style change. I am not trying to loose a significant amount of weight. I am trying to become a healthy and fit young woman. I should be healthy and fit I am only 22! I want to feel good about what I eat and do physically. (And maybe look a little better in a bikini! ;) )

This quote has really stuck to me in the last few months:

You aren't a dog. Why do you treat yourself with food?

Why do we do that? Shouldn't we be "treating" our bodies to healthy foods and exercise instead of sugar packed treats?!

So, send me your advice! (I'm going to need it!)

 How do you try to keep a healthy lifestyle?

5 Things

Brought To You By: Jacqlyn

5 things I could use more of:

1. Laughing so hard that my face hurts

2. Craft nights with Katie

3. Hugs

4. Healthy foods that make you feel good when you are done eating them

5. Candles that smell like summer

5 things I could do without:

1. Family and friends being on the other side of the state

2. People with bad attitudes

3. Cramped space

4. Mineral makeup that spills everywhere

5. Endless laundry

Today has been a relaxing, carefree Sunday.

I could use more of these too! 

An Accident, A Solution, & My 5 Summer Beauty Needs

 Once Upon A Time...

There was a little girl named Sami. She loved to sit on the bathroom sink while she did her makeup. Well one day, Sami fell off the sink and hurt her ribs.

...True Story...

I really did fall off the sink a few weeks ago. Josh had to pick me up and wipe the tears away. It was pretty pathetic. After the "accident" I decided I needed to have a new make up set up. Sooooo, I took my Desk and made it a Vanity... take a look!

PS, See that little jar? That's an old candle jar! How eco-friendly of me?

Now onto the drawers...

Meet my children, I mean, my nail polish collection...

Now onto my Top 5 beauty products of the summer! 

I am so excited about all of these products!!

1. Turquoise & Caicos by Essie

This is a beautiful turquoise color! The picture doesn't do it justice! 

2. Baby Lips by Maybelline

I am obsessed with baby lips! They are so moisturizing and a great deal. I think they run for $4 at target! They are pretty sheer but you can definitely see the color on your lips! The first picture shows #30 peach kisses, #25 pink punch, #15 Cherry Me, and #05 Quenched. The second picture is of pink punch, by far my favorite color!

3. Hoola by Benefit

This bronzer is a must have! There is no sparkle in it so it gives you a super natural "glow". I am still on my sample size, I've had it for a few months too! I will buy a full size when I run out!

 4. Natural Eye Palette by Too Faced

These are my go to colors! This palette has 9 colors. Some of the shadows are matte, some are sparkly, and some are shimmery. It is kind of expensive. I think it is $36, but it will last a LONG time and is worth the money!

5. Erase Paste by Benefit

I have been on a Benefit kick lately! I love using this under my eyes. It hides the darkness under my eyes and brightens! It is around $26 I believe! This product will also last you a very long time. I have had mine for months and it is still very full!

What is your summer beauty must have?!

Letter to 16 year old me

One of my favorite bloggers littlemissmomma recently posted a list of blog ideas and this was one!

Dear 16 year old Sami,

There is so much that I wish I could tell you, but the truth is you would be too stubborn to listen to me even if you could.

Right now you are lost in a world of friends, boyfriends, and high school drama.

You try your hardest to be kind to everyone you meet (and you usually do a pretty good job)

You find yourself being sucked in to the world of art and music.

Let yourself get lost in it, it will save you from times that will be rough beyond words.

You have a zest for life and love for making people happy.

That hasn't changed.

You dream of having a family.

That hasn't changed.

You will be thrown some tough cards and dealt things that someone your age shouldn't have to deal with.

Don't worry, you will be okay.

You will finish school and finally leave the walls of Kelloggsville High School.

You will go to Grand Valley State University.

I know, that isn't your dream.

I know you will repeat over and over that you are getting out of Grand Rapids.

The truth is, you will be given the chance to move away to your dream school.

Will you do it though? No.

I wish I could tell you why you made that decision, but even today I can't answer that. Maybe it was fate intervening?

What I can tell you though, is that you will move into a dorm and think the R.A. is adorable.

A few years later, that same R.A. will ask you to marry him. Your life as a young adult is crazy. You are constantly busy, have the greatest friends, and are even coaching a cheerleading team.

So, my advice to you:

Make good decisions, you will be tempted.

Keep your heart open.

Stop worrying and have more faith.

Don't give up on people.

Keep smiling.

Love,

22 year old Sami

What advice would you give your 16 year old self?

5 Things I've Learned During My First Semester Teaching

I spent the past 4 months with 29 of the cutest 3rd graders around. The first semester of teaching at Grand Valley State University is called "Teacher Assisting". My semester consisted of approximately 5 half days at the elementary school and 3 classes at GVSU. I learned so much in the past 4 months..  I know compared to veteran teachers I still no little, but I wanted to give advice to all those college students who will be in a similar boat as mine... 

So here it goes...

1. Someone is going to have a tummy ache everyday. (I can almost guarantee it. =] ) These 3 little questions/comments should help fix most cases of a upset tummy:

-Did you try to go potty?

-Why don't you try to drink some water.

-Try to take it easy and relax, you should feel better soon.

My friend Myranda thinks my advice is hilarious, but hey... it works! ;)

2. Expect the unexpected. For example, when you print out informational pages on animals expect that things like "anus" may be a label on the animal. ...And the kids will ask what that means. Not that I know from experience or anything... ;)

3. Take time to get to know your students outside of the classroom. I was privileged enough to be able to create a recess cheerleading club. It was such a great experience to get to know my students outside of the classroom. Find a way to reach out to your students, use your talents!

4. Dissect the teacher that you are working with's brain. Ask why they are doing everything the way they are doing it. Many things that they are doing are so routine, that they don't think twice about it. Asking questions does two things. One, it allows you the opportunity to truly understand the methodology. Two, it shows the teacher you are working with that you truly are interested in learning from them.

5.Savor every second. Your time in the classroom goes so fast. Enjoy every second of every day because saying goodbye will not be easy. 

I was blessed with an amazing placement. The school was such a warm and welcoming environment. The teacher I worked with was amazing, a great mentor. 

I can't wait to learn even more from my Kindergartner's in the fall!

(my desk)

 (pages from my end of the year gift.. melted my heart!)

What does your beauty routine say about you?

I haven't always been nail polish and make-up obsessed. It's actually a relatively new (past few years) thing for me. 

I think that my beauty obsession started when I met my friend Myranda. I started becoming interested in make up and what not. My sorority is what changed my daily routine though. Now I know you probably are thinking, "Oh, how typical.." But really it isn't how you would expect.

One of my sisters talked to us about how important it is to present yourself in a classy manner, starting on the outside. Michelle is pretty much perfect. If you can find a flaw on her, I don't know how! Whenever I see her she is dressed cute, hair done, natural make up, etc. She made me realize a lot of things. The first thing being that you represent a lot of people. Someone may recognize you across a room and look at you and recognize you as an employee from a certain company or any given organization. 

Not only does your appearance represent others, but it also gives off a million first impressions. Think about it.. what is the first thing you do when you meet someone? You look at them. What kind of impression do you want to give off? That you're sloppy and don't take care of yourself. Of course not. 

So the moral of the story.... Before you leave in the morning take a look at yourself and ask what kind of impression am I going to make today? (Now I'm not saying cake the make-up on.. I'm just saying take care of yourself!) The real moral of the story is though, I am going to start blogging more about beauty! 

Get ready for it!

A Peaceful Getaway

After my first holiday away from my family this past weekend on my way home, I couldn't help but to have a moment of clarity. A moment where I couldn't help but be thankful for all that I have. A moment where I realized just how content I am,  with myself, my friendships, my fiance, and my family. What it comes down too is that those are the most important things in my life. If I have those 4 things, there isn't much more I need..

I have been becoming content with my "Sami Time". Whether it be in the car, reading a book, or laying in bed at night watching a movie alone. I have realized the importance of enjoying time alone, to just be with your thoughts. Even spending time alone grocery shopping is nice. Don't get me wrong 90% of the time I don't want to be alone. But I also realize it's important to have a relationship with yourself. 

Over the weekend I have also been reminded of how blessed I am with a great friendship. Saturday night, Josh and I got to spend the evening (and night!) with Ben and Jacqlyn. Jacqlyn AKA my Jackie O is the friend that I think was truly made for me. Ever since I've met Jackie O we've been attached at the hip. I think that we could talk for hours and never get sick of each other.. in fact we've done that.. many many times. Sometimes in Lake Michigan, sometimes in Ben's empty bathtub with pillows and blankets... She just brings out the best in me and makes me smile and laugh. (I sound like I'm in love with her.. which may be true as well!) We understand each other and can be so open with each other. I am so lucky to have her in my life! I only wished we lived closer! Boo! I also love Ben! :) Josh, Ben, Jacqlyn, and I make the best couple friends. (At least that's what we say.. ) 

I have also continued to be so very thankful for Josh and I's relationship. While wedding planning can be stressful, I just can't stop smiling. (which I'm thankful for!) We have continued to work together to make our relationship stronger and shape the future for our family. He makes me smile everyday and has done so since day one. I am so thankful for a rock solid foundation. I can't wait to get married... 400 plus days! (Not like I'm counting!)

Finally, after spending the weekend with my future in-laws, I couldn't help but to be thankful for such a great family of my own and family to be. I could not be more blessed.

So world, bring it on. I am ready. I got the best support team in the world!