My first favorites of the month are here! What a hectic month. Back to work, back to school, and lots of chaos in between. Here's what I was loving on this month:

Scent - Bath & Body Works Black Amethyst - I used this shower gel while visiting my cousin and loved it. It is a perfect, subtle blend of citrus, sandalwood, peonies, and vanilla.

Song - Fight Song by Rachel Platten - This warrior anthem makes me feel like I can take on the world. This upbeat jam reminds listeners that they can take on the world, regardless of what everyone else seems to think.



Clothing Item - Buckled Faux Leather Booties, Forever 21




Beauty Product - Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water - This spray hydrates the skin and creates a barrier between the skin and the makeup. I believe that it is what has contributed to my skin clearing up drastically in the past month. I originally received this as a sample with Sephora points and ended up going back to purchase full sized when the sample ran out.


Event - Last minute weekend getaway to Denver to visit my cousins. I bought the ticket Friday at 4pm, threw clothes in a big, and was off to LAX boarding a plane by 8:30. I got to see friends and family I have not seen in a couple years and was able to enjoy the snow!

Book - I Declare by Joel Osteen - This book is a 31 day reminder of the greatness God is putting in your life...if you will believe it and allow it.


YouTube channel - Casey Nesitat - This film director and producer previously created an HBO series with his brother and is now putting his genius on YouTube. Recently when the New York Blizzard hit, him and Jesse (of Prank vs Prank) they hit Times Square to do some snowboarding. #LikeABoss


Scripture - Psalm 46:5

Crafted Gluten Free starts at $59/month, with cheaper deals when you buy for several months at a time. While this does lean on the pricier side of subscription boxes, it is nice to be able to try new gluten free products at a full size and to not have to worry about looking for what is and is not gluten free. I highly recommend Crafted Gluten Free to anyone looking for something special on their front porch each month!

Since becoming a Beach Body coach, one major key to success (DJ KHALED!) I have adopted is "Power Hour." Power Hour is a productivity tool that allows you to tackle all those random little things you never get around to.

For it to be at heightened productivity, there can be no distractions. Silence your phone, crank up the music, and get to work.

Begin by making a list of all the things you want to get done in your to do list. Be reasonable. Don't put 20 things on your to do list. Put 3-5 things, depending on how long they take. If you still have time leftover, or still have the energy to keep going then tackle the rest of the things that need to get done.

A lot of times I will designate a Power "Hour" and then keep working beyond it because I just needed the idea of that hour to get things started. If doing this daily sounds daunting, try having Power Hour once a week and see how much you can get done.

I promise if done correctly, your productivity levels will increase tenfold.

Being back in school, working full time, leading fitness challenges, running my blog, and balancing family and friends has gotten the best of me lately! I have always been the queen of planning and calendars, but I am still struggling to figure out my routine. Here are 5 great apps to use to help organize your life:

1.) Any.Do - This free app (there is a premium version for $2.99/month) is used for making lists and managing tasks. It assists the user in making a habit of reaching their daily tasks.

2.) Timeful - This free app puts your calendars, to do lists, and fun things you'd like to do, all in one location. Timeful suggests times for the user to complete certain tasks based on their optimal time and daily habits.

3.) RescueTime - This app is free for Mac & PC. It records how much time you spend on various websites and computer programs with the RescueTime clock, then shows you how you use your time. (You'll be shocked that the six hours of homework was really four hours of FaceBook, one hour of iTunes, and one hour of homework!) They then allow you to block certain websites for an amount of time so you can focus and be productive. This helped me get many papers done in my undergrad because I was able to block social media sites and be only allowed to complete homework.

4.) Wunderlist - This free app carries all your to do lists in one location. This is helpful for me when I have a daily to do list, a work out to do list, a school to do list, a shopping list, and more! Wunderlist also allows you to share your lists with others.

5.) Key Ring - This app takes all those reward cards in your wallet and purse and puts their information in one place. Users can scan their phone in the store instead of having a key ring full of gym memberships, Sephora VIB, library cards, and more.

What apps help you stay organized?

Most weekends I spend in the beautiful wine country of Paso Robles. I love spending time outdoors, hanging out with my boyfriend, wine tasting, and the best part of all is all the delicious eating I get to do. When I am at home I eat really well, strictly following my meal plans. However, when I am on vacation on the weekends, I let myself indulge.

I have come across some delicious places (and some not so good!) Here are my 5 favorite spots to eat in Paso Robles:

1.) The Tap Room - The Firestone Walker Brewing Company Tap Room located just off the 101 and 46 on Ramada, has a fun weekend atmosphere, delicious American cuisine, and good prices. I recommend starting off with the calamari or soft pretzel as an appetizer, followed by The Grilled Fish Tacos or Tap Room Burger for your meal. While I skipped the desserts because they did not sound overly appealing, they had a wide variety of options.

2.) Brown Butter Cookie Co - If you pass on dessert at The Tap Room like I did, you can head over here right after. These melt in your mouth treats are top of the line and even better they have gluten free options. Although they are slightly pricy, they are worth every dollar. My favorite is the Gluten Free Lemon Poppy cookie. The only down fall is that they close at 7pm, so if you plan on making a stop here after dinner, be sure to think ahead.

3.) Buona Tavola - This downtown Italian restaurant is phenomenal. We came here to celebrate my new job last June and I was blown away. I ordered the seafood special and was overwhelmed by the amount of food, for the price! Great deal. There was a bit of a dilemma with their card machine when it came time to pay, so we had to wait awhile, but the wait staff was friendly and brought us comped drinks to enjoy while we waited.

4.) Cowgirl Cafe - This breakfast spot has great prices and even better food. The Huevos Rancheros and Biscuits and Gravy are two of my favorites! This restaurant has the fastest service I have ever experienced...maybe because they need to turn tables quick on weekend mornings. However, the servers are also not pushy to get you out of there when they have a line out the door.

5.) Estrella - This Latin American restaurant is delicious! We went on a chilly Friday night and sat on the patio, which had heaters and a very intimate feel. I ordered the Jamaican Seafood Curry and loved it. My boyfriend got the Duck Confit Rellenos and also really liked it. I indulged in the Estrella Sangria and loved it. This restaurant was a nice change from the usual food and environments I enjoy and one I hope to eat at again.

I have learned that the best time to get items for football season is in the off season. Things are cheaper and always in stock. Here are 3 great products to get your hands on quickly because before we know it, spring ball and summer camps will be come and gone, and kick off will begin.*



Grab a team banner like the one above on Etsy. The one pictured above is from a shop called That Crafty Auntie Em, and is on sale now that the season is over.



*Yes, I realize football season is STILL going on for the NFL. However, my world revolves around college ball. The NFL is just background noise for me on Sundays.

Now that I am back in school, studying is a major part of my life again. While I don't mind it as much now because I am going to school to achieve my passion, I still get antsy spending long hours. However, the right music can make or break the perfect study sesh.

Here is my current study playlist:

• First Breath After Coma by Explosions in the Sky (the guys responsible for the great instrumentals in Friday Night Lights the tv show)
• We Used To Be Friends by The Dandy Warhols
• House That Built Me by Miranda Lambert
• California by Phantom Planet
• That's What I Love About Sundays by Craig Morgan
• I Will Follow You Into The Dark by Death Cab For Cutie
• Miserable At Best by Mayday Parade
• Drop In The Ocean by Ron Pope
• Slow Dancing In A Burning Room by John Mayer
• Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran

I am always on the hunt for delicious, yet affordable, gluten free snacks. Last June I stumbled upon Send Me Gluten Free, and did a review of their box. I have found some of my favorite gluten free snacks because of that one simple box! So when they presented me with the opportunity to attend their Gluten Free & Allergen Friendly Expo in San Diego next month, I jumped at the chance.


The GFAF Expo is full of vendors, educational sessions, and resources for those with celiac disease, gluten and food sensitivity (like myself), auto-immune diseases, and autism. It will be held in San Diego on February 20-21 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Tickets can be purchased for individual days or for the whole weekend. 

Purchase a ticket by 1/19 and get 30% off with the code EARLYBIRD
Purchase a ticket by 2/19 and get 20% off with the code ADVANCE

The Expo ticket includes entry into the vendor fair, coupons, samples, discounted products, informative classes, and a reusable bag.

If you are interested in attending the Gluten Free & Allergen Free Expo with me, head over to my Instagram page and leave me a comment! 5 lucky winners will get a FREE ticket!

Personal development is extremely important in so many ways. It helps you to become self-aware, motivated, and focused on yourself and your goals. For personal development I really enjoy listening to podcasts and going on walks. Some of my favorite podcasts are: Chalene Johnson, Judah Smith, and When The Kids Go To Sleep. Another way I like to obtain personal development is through reading. Some of my current favorite personal development books are: The Sweet Life by Dulce Candy Ruiz, The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg, and Fat Dad, Fat Kid by Shay Butler and Gavin Butler.

The past week I have been running a giveaway for the latter book and I am excited to announce that the winner is Mackey! Please send me an e-mail with your mailing address so I can send your copy of Fat Dad, Fat Kid your way! Thanks to all who entered and be sure to check back in tomorrow for another giveaway!

One of my favorite parts of blogging is the connections I have been able to make with other people. A few months ago I took an online course about blogging and stumbled across Bikini Body Countdown. As many people's resolutions this year are to get in shape, I found it fitting to spotlight an inspiring blog that began with a weight loss journey.

Laura began her blog a couple years ago to track her weight loss journey. However, since then it has become more focused on her interests, which still includes fitness. As most of you know, my biggest motivation when I can not muster up the energy to work out is social media. I scroll through Instagrams, blogs, and Twitter accounts of people pushing hard through the same goal of living a healthy life. The same goes for Laura! She also tracks her steps via FitBit and listens to podcasts while working out on the elliptical at the gym.

(Fun Fact: One of Laura's favorite sources for recipes is my sweet sister in Christ, Katie Ferrell, with Dashing Dish.)

One of Laura's personal favorite posts she wrote is called Big Flavor Small Portion, in which Laura is honest about what she will and won't sacrifice when it comes to eating healthy. This is one of my favorite things about her as a blogger. Many people who talk about fitness only show the good side. They post their salad and their workout, but they don't show the wine they enjoy while watching reality TV or their cravings. Laura admits she is not perfect, but she is progressing towards a better version of herself, which makes her relatable to every reader.

Her tips for people starting off on their fitness journey? "Don't make unrealistic goals - that just sets (you) up for failure. Small steps add up to big changes."

Outside of blogging Laura is a freelance writer and also works with clients creating content and marketing materials. When Laura is not blogging, she enjoys traveling, hanging out at the beach, going to concerts, and visiting the happiest place on earth, Disneyland.

For more of Laura, follow her @BikiniCountdown on Twitter and Instagram. She also recently started a YouTube channel. Check out her most recent video below--

Monday was a rough day for me. It was my first day back to work in two weeks off, I was sleep deprived, and had to jumpstart getting things done for my Master's program. I was EXHAUSTED and extremely overwhelmed. Instead of jumping from one thing to the next frantically, I decided to just stop and breathe. I took a bath, filled with the Lush products I received from people for Christmas, and spent time reading my Bible. It calmed me and made me more ready to tackle the 300 pages of reading (not exaggerating) I needed to get done by Thursday.

Besides relaxing and hitting restart, there are so many more benefits to taking a bath- it improves your circulation, soothes your body, and detoxes the insides and outsides of your body. I encourage each of you to celebrate National Bubble Bath Day with a relaxing break from your day to recharge your batteries and decompress from the chaos of life.

Today is a special day for me. Today I start my Master's program. I am so excited and thankful to have the opportunity to further pursue my passion (Autism Spectrum Disorders.)

Now that school is back in session, that means studying is too. Here are six study tips I picked up over my many years of studying.

1.) Know your learning style. There are typically three learning styles: auditory, visual, and kinesthetic. Knowing how you learn can help you figure out the best way to study. Explore your learning style and find recommendations for people who learn like you. Also pick your professors based on your learning style. If you are a visual learner you will not do well with a professor who lectures the whole two hours with no powerpoint. Ask around and figure out which professors might best fit your learning needs.

2.) Make flash cards. This might sound like something you did for your 7th grade vocabulary, but I swear it helps!

3.) Form study groups. Two brains are always better than one. (Unless the two of you are making a really dumb decision to stay up until 4am playing Mario Kart instead of studying.) Connect with people in your classes. Meet up, bring snacks and caffeine, and quiz each other. Utilize each other's notes. Ask for clarification on things you may not understand but another classmate does.

4.) For every 50 minutes of studying, take a 10 minute break. Refresh your brain. Go for a walk. Drink some water. Anything to be sure you don't get overloaded.

5.) Rewrite your notes. Sometimes the notes you take in class can get messy and unorganized. Rewriting them helps create a more organized way of studying but also allows you to recollect all the information.

6.) Find "your" study space. Not everyone works well in the library. I had my best study sessions alone at a table outside the football stadium. Try a few different places and see what works best for you.

What are your best study tips?

It is a common misconception that to get a good workout in you have to spend two hours in the gym. Believe it or not I have lost 23 pounds in 6 months without even setting foot in the gym. I use at home workout videos, through Beach Body, Tone It Up, and Pinterest. A lot of times when I lead my 21 Day Fitness groups, I add in extra at home workout challenges. One of my favorites is to spell your full name doing the workouts that coincide with each letter. My challenge to you today is to complete this workout spelling your full name (example- I have to do CAITLIN, not CATE.)