ENJOY THE JOURNEY [LOVED & BLESSED REVIEW]

Thursday, April 28, 2016
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Each month I receive a box of love and encouragement on my front porch. This month's theme was embracing the journey, a perfect message for my current life situations. I don't have the slightest clue what is next for me in life and I spend many moments daily praying God would enlighten me on what to do next, but all I hear him saying is to just wait. While this is not the answer I want from God, it's the answer I am getting and I am learning to just embrace it and learn from where He has me at this moment and location.


This awesome box from Loved and Blessed included a luggage tag, pamphlet on journey, scripture card, mini poster, charm (so cute and a perfect reminder to just enjoy the moments!), and a reminder sticker. 
Loved and Blessed is a Christian subscription box service with a goal to help women share their testimony. For only $10/month, each box includes a mini poster, reminder sticker, scripture card, and small gift. 

I enjoy receiving the Loved and Blessed Box because it provides me with encouraging reminders to remain strong in my faith. It is different than any other box I have received. It is full of meaning, heart, and joy. Place your order quickly to receive your own box of encouragement next month!
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SHOWS I'M LOVING #WHATSUPWEDNESDAY

Wednesday, April 27, 2016
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I really miss the DVR at my old house. However, I feel like not having it has reduced my television watching (not that I ever had time before) to a few core shows that I love. Here are 4 shows that made that cut that I can't get enough of right now.

The Voice – This is always a favorite of mine. However, I think this is likely my final season watching as Miley Cyrus and Alicia Keys are joining as coaches and I am not a fan of Miley at all. I do not think I could handle her crazy for a whole season of the show. This season I think Christina Aguilera is the coach to beat. The curse of the women coaches is over. I think Allison Porter will be the one to take her all the way.

Dancing With The Stars – This season has the best cast of all time, hands down. There hasn’t been anyone who is awful and so many of the lower scoring dancers in the first night are improving more each week. My favorite this season is Von Miller, with Antonio Brown as a very close second. I am impressed by Nyle Dimarco and his strong ability to perform even though he can’t hear the music.

Teen Mom 2 – Whenever I think it can’t get any worse (or better…you decide) each year, it does. I always love following Chelsea’s storylines and have enjoyed seeing her and Cole’s love story play out. Leah is the biggest train wreck I have seen. I did not think someone could surpass Janelle, but she certainly has. I cannot believe her daughters brought their cat with them to choir practice and then she left the cat in the car! What kind of breed of human does that?


Nashville – I almost gave up on the show last season but I am glad I stuck it out. The cliffhangers always leave me staring at the TV for 10 minute following it ending, but it just keeps getting good. I am glad that Hayden Panettiere is back from her leave and think Juliette has become my favorite character in the show.

What are you watching a lot lately?
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HOW TO TO DO

Tuesday, April 26, 2016
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Lately my to do list has left me feeling overwhelmed. It's a never ending list of what needs to get done, so much so that usually nothing ends up done. Instead of looking at a 40 item list and shutting down, I have been reducing my daily must do to a "top three" that are the urgent priority of the day. If I am able to finish those, then I pick another three to move on to and so forth. I have changed my whole method of each day, with a daily "calendar" to go with.


The format:
Date
Inspirational Quote
Meal Plan
Workout
Blog Post
Top Three

My productivity level has never been so high and my stress level has never been so low. Last night, I felt like I had everything 100% under control and taken care of. I can't remember the last time I felt this way, but I know it's because I am tackling hills instead of Mt Everest.

What's your method of getting things done?
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#TIUAPPROVED MARGARITA

Monday, April 25, 2016
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Cinco de Mayo is next week, but for us Tone It Up girls doing the Bikini Series challenge, a delicious margarita can be a major set back. (A standard margarita is about 450 calories.) However, that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the fun. Here is a nutritionist approved margarita you can easily make at home or order at the bar!

Simply just mix tequila, triple sec, and lime juice. Skip salt on the rim to avoid puffiness the next morning. By leaving out the margarita mix you are eliminating most of the sugar and most of the calories.

This "skinny" margarita will have you running at about 150 calories!
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SUMMER READING LIST

Sunday, April 24, 2016
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I Said Yes by Emily Maynard Johnson



I listened to "I Said Yes" on my most recent trek to San Luis Obispo. I was never a huge Emily Maynard fan, but I always felt their was more to her than met the eye. I was looking for a book to enjoy on my drive that was not too deep and wouldn't leave me feeling some type of way like the other book I am currently listening to (Fervent by Priscilla Shirer.) I downloaded the book and was an Emily super fan by the end of the first chapter. Emily opens her life to readers and shares her painful journey for a forever love. With time Emily found the eternal love of Jesus Christ and the rest of her life fell into place. I highly recommend this book to Bachelor fans and women 18-34 everywhere.

The Assistants by Camille Perri


Releasing May 3, "The Assistants" by Camille Perri sounds like the perfect pool-side read. The main character, Tina, is a young executive assistant of a powerful company. When an error on the finance side of her job presents her with the opportunity to embezzle enough money to pay off her student loans without her boss noticing, Tina is torn. "The Assistants" is written to a new generation--those who are swimming in debt to pay off degrees they worked hart to achieve, yet still can barely make ends meet.

Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld



Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" is a story of all time. However, when retold by Sittenfeld and masked as "Eligible" it becomes a whole new tale. Eligible is a modern day version of Austen's novel with yoga, crossfit, and Paleo diets. Reviews suggest "Eligble" stays true to Austen while adding hilarious updates true to the gender and class issues seen today.

Crazy Love by Francis Chan


I gre up seeing Francis Chan speak on Sunday mornings at Cornerstone Simi Valley and have grown to appreciate his writings and sermons the more I mature. "Crazy Love" tells of God's crazy unconditional love for us and how we can return the love. Chan calls us to follow Christ with pure obedience and not to live life "lukewarm." I look forward to diving in to this book when I finish "Fervent" by Priscilla Shirer.

What are you reading this summer?
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OUTSIDE THE HUDDLE

Tuesday, April 19, 2016
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This is the time of year when families are leaving teams and new families are rolling in. This time last year we were starting off at a new time. I felt extremely welcomed and excited to be joining this new football family. The other staff member’s families made me feel at ease about all the new changes to come.

One of the ways I was welcomed into this group was through a secret Facebook page. This page was created by one of the wives and had other wives and girlfriends in it. When I was added to the group I felt accepted and in the loop of what was going on, even at a distance. I was informed of team dinners, events, and other random things.

Another way I felt included was by spending time individually with the women. One invited me for drinks, one invited me for lunch, and another invited me to spend time at the pool with their family. Getting to know them and their families on individual levels made me feel less overwhelmed than being thrown into a group of 15 families who all already know each other at one time.

Some other ways to welcome new families to the staff:
  • Bring them a welcome basket with cookies, information about places in town, take out menus, team memorabilia, and any other fun stuff.
  • Invite their kids for a play date with yours and spend time getting to know the mom.
  • Plan a team pool party and barbecue.


What are ways that you feel most welcomed when you head to a new team?
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WHOLESOME ONE REVIEW

Thursday, April 14, 2016
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More often than not I am seeking natural health products with many benefits, whether it be through supplements, essential oils, or specific foods. Wholesome One is a natural health box delivered monthly. Each box includes product samples, recipes, supplements, coupons, and more. All products delivered are natural with a multitude of health benefits.



I received the Migraine Box and felt that it was a good starter kit for someone, but lacked substance for the price. I enjoyed all the supplements provided, but would have preferred some more information about each product, some oils, and some other tips or information regarding migraines.

Included in the Migraine Box were:

  • Vitamin D
  • Feverfew
  • Magnesium
  • cold sore medication
  • throat lozenges
  • multi-vitamin 
  • coral calcium
  • an essential oil blend to promote happiness
  • a recipe
  • article regarding migraine


However, for those with health needs that are seeking assistance outside of medication, Wholesome One is a great way to explore various options. Along with the migraine box, Wholesome One also sells a wellness box, sleep box, seasonal allergy box, fibromyalgia box, and osteoarthritis box. The boxes also include a free consultation with a health practitioner to discuss any natural health products that could be beneficial specifically to each individual.Wholesome One ships the 1st day of the month, each month, and offers free delivery.

To receive 30% off the first Wholesome One box, visit their website and enter the discount code Cate30.

FTC Disclosure: All items discussed in this blog post have been sent to me courtesy of Wholesome One. I have not been financially compensated for this review. All opinions above are true and my own.
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WHAT'S UP WEDNESDAY [MUSIC EDITION]

Wednesday, April 13, 2016
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What I've been listening to on repeat lately:


To listen on Spotify, visit my account here ---> What's Up Wednesday Playlist


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PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

Tuesday, April 12, 2016
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"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world -- the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of the life -- comes not from the Father, but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever." 1 John 2:15-17

This presidential election has me concerned about our nation. Unfortunately there are no candidates that give me hope. The only thing that gives me hope for our country is the promise of Jesus Christ. While the presidential candidates are not promising to have control, the Light of the World has full control over our place on this earth.

"See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ." Colossians 2:8

And while some may be in fear of our state of our nation, the only thing we can fear is His judgement. We are not of this world, so worldly things do not matter. The winner of the 2016 presidential election will not make difference in the after life. While I am not saying not to vote, I am saying not to place all your worry or care in one worldly leader, when the Ultimate Leader is in control.

"For everything in the world -- the lust of the flush, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life -- comes not from the Father, but from the world." 1 John 2:16

So who will I vote for this election? I am not sure. But I do pray that my eyes of the future remain set on Him. For I know this current mess is scary, but the promise of Heaven is perfectly worth it.








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BASEBALL GAME OUTFIT

Monday, April 11, 2016
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Angels baseball is back! I'm ready to light up the halo and hit some games. But just because I am headed for a casual day at the ball park does not mean my style stops....you never know when Mike Trout is looking ;)

Here's my go to game day outfit:

Opening Day Racerback Tank Top, Pink by Victoria's Secret, $29.99
Crop Girlfriend Jeans, BeBe, $129.00
Love Struck Wrap Bangle, Alex & Ani, $48.00
Chuck Taylor Sneakers, Converse, $45.00
Red Bandana, Sports Girl, $12.95


*Important disclaimer: I am NOT a Cardinals fan. Angels baseball all the way. The website I use to design my clothing posts did not have a cute Angels shirt, so I had to go Cardinals stick with the color scheme.

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NATIONAL SIBLING DAY

Sunday, April 10, 2016
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Happy National Sibling Day to these three guys. I am lucky enough to call them my blood, to have grown up with them, to have gotten beat up by them (haha!), and to have them motivate me and inspire me to be myself.


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10 THINGS I'D TELL 16 YEAR OLD ME

Saturday, April 09, 2016
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10 Things I Would Tell Myself If I Could Go Back In Time

1.)    Those bullies will mean nothing in ten years. (Seriously, they didn’t affect you long term and they are not presidents, pop stars, or anything miraculous.)

2.)    Raise your hand in class. (Learn what you can. While you don’t need to do the quadratic equation or what happened in 1942 on a daily basis, knowledge is power.)

3.)    Don’t worry about the boys. (You won’t even remember who your crush was sophomore year of high school. You’ll find a remarkable boyfriend when the time is right.)

4.)    Be nice to your Mom. (Seriously, she’s a gem. Don’t talk back. Don’t be rude. Just accept what she tells you and respect it. She makes her rules they are for a reason.)

5.)    Build healthy habits. (The eating and exercise habits you have now will affect you for the rest of your life. Make good choices now and they will carry on into your life later.)

6.)    Trust Jesus. (He is the one who makes the plans. Trust it!)

7.)    Go to junior college first. (It’ll save you a lot of money and a lot of grief.)

8.)    Call your grandparents. (They’ll be gone before you know it.)

9.)    All that reading will pay off. (Your vocabulary is strong, your retention is strong, your writing skills are great, and your imagination is out there.)


10.) Speak more kindly of Mrs. F. (Although she made you cry daily senior year, she made you the writer you are.)
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FIT LIFE TEATOX

Thursday, April 07, 2016
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Fit Life Teatox is an organic tea that eliminates bloating, digestive issues, and helps in increasing weight loss. Two cups daily are believed to burn fat, boost immunity, and detox the system. While this sounds far too good to be true, I have recently given it a try and it has proven itself. I tried Fit Life for 14 days and was amazed by the results. While I did not lose weight (I have hit a steady plateau for the past month, which I am okay with) I did eliminate some of my digestive problems, feel more energized, and have less bloating.

This tea is organic, fruity, and calorie free. It is full of essential oils. This tea purifies the body without leaving you hungry or irritable.



Not only did the adorable box delivered to my doorstep include 14 days’ worth of tea (28 tea bags), it also included a water bottle and a meal plan for 7 days. The meal plan is full of delicious foods I enjoy that are healthier options of things I enjoy. The meal plan is to work with the tea in order to help detox the body and promote digestive health.

To receive 15% off your first order of Fit Life Tea, visit their website and enter Tea-Tweet15 at checkout.
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WEEKEND WRAP UP

Monday, April 04, 2016
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What a fun weekend! I don’t remember the last weekend I had where well into Monday afternoon I was still reminiscing on the good times. When I first started blogging most Monday posts would be a weekend wrap up and I felt like today was a great time to revisit it.



Friday after I work I went home and got ready for my friend’s Bachelorette party. Five of us went out to Hollywood and the night began at Saddle Ranch. Saddle Ranch is a famous restaurant that used to have it’s own reality TV show. It has a bull in the center of the floor that leads to several good laughs for onlookers throughout the night. We had a drink and dinner, then left to go to The Comedy Store, a few doors down.

The Comedy Store, started by the late Mitzi Shore, is home to many great comedians. We saw a multitude of acts, my favorites being Pauly Shore, Jim Jeffries, and Marc Maron. I was most excited to see Erik Griffin, who plays Montez on Workaholics, but was let down by his performance. The theme of the night seemed to be the presidential election, which by the 3rd comedian lost it’s funny. Overall the night was full of laughs and what made it even better was the bride and her friends that I was with.

When I got home that night I did not feel great and did not sleep because I was up all night sick. Turns out the rest of our group got sick too! Because no one drank much, we know it was not related to that (like you’d think at a Bachelorette party) but think it was something we ate or the drinks at The Comedy Store. 

I had to be up early Saturday morning for the Autism Speaks Walk at The Rose Bowl. I was disappointed that I was not feeling great for this event, but still went to drop off some money I had raised for Autism Speaks and to walk. The moment I finished the walk I headed home. It was so beautiful to see the outreach of the community for individuals with Autism and their families. Autism Speaks is one of my favorite organizations and they provide funding for research and resources for individuals on the spectrum.

That afternoon I attended my friend’s bridal shower. It was the most beautiful shower I have ever attended. The decorations were adorable, the games were fun, and the company was great. The food was simple, but delicious. The shower had a tea party theme and I did not want it to end. I enjoyed celebrating my sweet friend and meeting her family that I have heard a lot about. I already looked forward to her wedding, but after this weekend I can’t wait to reunite with her friends and family.

After the shower I hopped in the car and drove three hours north to Paso Robles to visit my boyfriend....on little to no sleep. 

Saturday morning we headed to campus so he could break down film and I could work on homework. I love that we are able to motivate each other and work towards our future goals together. After, we headed over to the Cal Poly baseball game with other football coaches and their families. I always love spending time with these people. The weather was beautiful, the beer was free, and it was a great afternoon.

Afterwards we headed down to Pismo Beach to grab a bite to eat and do some shopping. 

Today I have been productive with homework, blogging, errands, and more. Most of the day has been spent reflecting on the awesome weekend. I have the week off for spring break and look forward to a week to just tackle my homework. There are three weeks left in the semester and this morning I enrolled in my summer and fall courses. I am loving my program but can’t wait to finish up and further pursue my career!


How was your weekend? What is your week looking like?
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MY LOVE LANGUAGE

Sunday, April 03, 2016
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Relationships are hard work. But they’re worth it. The hardest part for me in having a successful relationship (whether romantically, with friends, or with family) is in realizing that not everyone thinks and loves in the same way that I do. We all have different love languages.

The 5 Love Languages, made popular by Gary Chapman, talks about the five various love languages, what they mean, and how to love those with that love language.

What are they?
·        Words of Affirmation – verbally telling people you care
·        Acts of Service – showing other people you care
·        Receiving Gifts – giving to show you care
·        Quality time – spending time to show that you care
·        Physical touch – hugging, kissing, and more to show that you care

Reading the 5 love languages made me feel like I am a little bit of each five depending on who it the person on the other end is and what I am feeling that day. As I get older I realize that hearing I love you is a lot less important to me than someone doing tiny tasks that prove they love me, such as showing up to support me at a walk or helping me with laundry or homework.

On the 5 Love Languages website they offer a profile assessment to determine what your love language is and to explore more about it. Upon taking the assessment, I determined that my love language is acts of service. People helping me out and committing to me shows their love and appreciation. When someone breaks a promise or adds more to my work load when they know I am already under a lot of stress, is the ultimate way to tell me that they do not care about me and my feelings.

Unfortunately I can’t go around wearing a sign on my forehead that says Acts of Service. If I could, people would know better how to love me. If I knew everyone else in my life’s love languages, I could be a better friend, sister, girlfriend, daughter, teacher, and student.


What’s your love language?
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FOCUS

Friday, April 01, 2016
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I just moved. Spring ball began for our football team. One of my closest friends is getting married and there are a ton of fun activities for her this weekend.

April will certainly be fun. But I also have finals this month, which means projects and papers that need more attention than I think I can properly give.

My focus this month is to, well, focus. I recently started creating more focused schedules. For example, 10:00 to 11:30, workout, 11:30 to 2:00, homework, 2:00 to 4:00, tackle to do list, 4:00 to 5:00, relax, 5:00 to 6:00 get ready, 6:00 to 11:00 babysit. These focused schedules are helping me to stay on task in the now instead of worrying about what else I have to get done.



Some other tips I have read about focusing that I want to try myself on:

No technology. By putting away the phone, turning off the tv, and changing the music from rap to acoustic, allows you to focus on the task at hand instead of looking up every three minutes.

Change locations. If you can’t get anything done in your room, go downstairs. If the house doesn’t work for you, head to the library. If you need a noisy environment, take your book to the park. Move somewhere else to get your mind right.

Assess your brain time/levels. By figuring out the time your brain works best at, it allows you to get things done in the peak time. I know that from 2pm to 4pm my brain is a pile of mush. Knowing this, I do not schedule or work on anything major in this time.


Practice healthy habits. Getting a good night’s rest, eating well, exercising, and staying hydrated, are all simple tasks that can help your brain stay clear and ready to focus.
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