A Quirky Girl's Blog

The Adventures of an iPhoneographer 2nd Edition

2013-04-29T22:39:00.000-05:00

1) My inner Martha Stewart comes out in full force during the warmer month & I've become OBSESSED with flower arranging. 2) I had my very first experience with In' N' Out burger while I was in Dallas last weekend for my bachelorette party. 3) Apollo has been stalking me all over my apartment & following me every where I go. It's cute but kinda creepy, too. 4) I love the blue skies of springtime. 5) Shopping for orchids. 6) My sister bought me the cutest gelly owl phone case that I've been obsessed with. She's my favorite person in the world. 7) George is finally starting to feel better. He has been under the weather for nearly a week, and I finally rushed him to the vet after he stopped eating for some meds. He is my little fur baby, so it was very difficult to see him feeling so poorly. 8) My bridesmaids took my to see Wicked in Dallas last weekend for my bachelorette party. I had such a wonderful time. 9) Zeth took me to a retro ice cream parlor close to his work the other day and we had ice cream sundaes.

1) The lovely blossoms of the bradford pear trees around my neighborhood. 2) A snippet of my work space. 3) My obsession with owls continues with these adorable owl hooks. 4) George being the best co-pilot during a 6 hour solo voyage to visit my mom & sister.

1) The lovely flowers my fiance surprised me with to cheer me up after being sick & going to the hospital. 2) The adorable George in a doggie nest I built him while he was under the weather. 3) I baked some strawberry & chocolate cupcakes for my co-workers. 4) My future sister-in-law surprised me with the most adorable owl earrings. You can't really see them in the pictures but they make me smile anytime I wear them. 5) Drooling over the colorful Kitchenaid mixers while registering for my wedding. 6) Dr. Who socks...Need I say more? 7) My bridesmaids found the cutest buttons for my bachelorette party. 8) Posing with Ana, one of my adorable bridesmaids, during dinner on my bachelorette weekend.

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I have not shared my iPhone pictures in what seems like forever. Just like most of my fellow blog authors, I'm pretty much obsessed with snapping iPhone/smartphone pictures and sharing them on Instagram. If you are on Instagram, we should definitely be Insta-friends! My user name is happytobequirky, and I post a lot of pictures of my wire fox terrier, George. I obsessively log on to Instagram every morning when I'm trying to wake up and heart a bazillion pictures while sipping a mug of hot coffee. It is actually the highlight of my morning because I'm definitely not a morning bird.

I have always loved being able to capture my daily life with iPhone images. Although some of my pictures tend to have poor quality, it's still fun to look back and remember what was going on in my life at the time. I do need to make an effort to use my Nikon SLR camera more often. Sadly, I'm not in habit of pulling it out to snip pictures like a lot of other bloggers. I'm currently working on a blog post all about my camera shyness which will explain what I'm talking about in more detail and present some suggestions for anyone struggling with the same issue.

This week I want to bust out my SLR and take more photos. My wedding is a little less than one month away, so I also have a bazillion wedding related errands to run.

Sending lots of positive vibes your way,

A Quirky Guide to Getting Out of a Blogging Rut!

2013-04-24T11:05:00.001-05:00

Help! I've fallen into a blogging rut, and I can't get back up!

Have you ever found yourself in what seems like an inescapable writing rut? Whether it be a lack of inspiration or the complete halt of any sort of update. I recently found myself in such a rut after coping with a terrible flare up of my autoimmune illness while planning my wedding & juggling a billion other obligations. Overwhelmed with the stress and the lack of time from holding down two jobs, I felt my blog suffer as night after night passed without any updates.

After taking a month long hiatus, I felt that getting back into my blog routine was nearly impossible. Every time I sat down to compose a post, I felt hopeless and uninspired. A few weeks ago, I received a sad email from a lovely reader who wanted to know why my writing had nearly ceased entirely. She expressed that many blogs often end up being a dead space on the internet when a blog author abandons them and how sad it would be if that were the case with my blog.

I decided that I was either going to let my blog fade away and sit like a cob web inside a dusty cyber closet, or I was going to reclaim my blog and infuse it with the energy & positivity that I began my writing endeavor with originally. I felt that the best way to end my blogging rut was to write about it. As most you know, our blogs are like an extension of who we are as people. Not our whole selves, but a very deep & personal part. What better way to bring my blog back to life than to write about my ideas on how to avoid and defeat a blogging rut.

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(My desk is my favorite place to write)

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GET ORGANIZED

My main problem whenever I find myself in a rut is to figure what to write about. That has always been the most difficult part of the process for me. I can easily get stumped by the most docile case of writer's block. I feel that the best way to avoid writer's block is to have a plan of action before you even start writing. To give you an idea of what I am talking about I will lay out the process I have conceived for my own writing.

First, I jot down a list of numerous topic ideas. To make things easier, I usually keep a working list of topics with me inside my Filofax. I constantly think of ideas while I'm in the most inconvenient places, and I find it easier to jot those ideas down when I have a list with me at all times. Write all of your ideas down in the same place. Even silly ideas or ideas that still need some work. Never dismiss an idea just because it isn't 100 percent perfect.

Next, I sit down with a calendar and plan the schedule for my blog posts. You can approach this step a number of ways depending on your personal preferences. I like to print out blank calendars for each month and fill in each day with my goals & planned posts. I also plan what days I'm actually going to composes said posts. I like to write a few posts in one sitting when I'm feeling inspired.

After the planning is done, I simply continue to brainstorm topic ideas and try my best to stick to my schedule. There is always some give and take when it comes to a blog schedule but it should definitely be followed most of the time in order to stay on track.

STOP MAKING EXCUSES

It's easy to make excuses when it comes to anything that requires effort. Writing, editing, and organizing your blog posts takes a lot more effort than anyone reading can imagine from the finished product. If you have fallen into a rut for a long time, you should start by extinguishing that nagging voice in the back of your mind that reminds you that it's just been too long since your last update. Even if it's been months, it's okay to come back to your blog. Even if some of your old followers have moved on, there are plenty of new readers out there just waiting to discover your writing.

Stop apologizing for gaps between your posts or skipped days without any new content. There is no need to feel guilty for taking the time that you need.

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MORE QUIRKY TIPS

♥ Don't be afraid of writers' block. The less you dwell on it, the quicker it will disappear.

♥ Don't be overly critical during your first draft of writing. Just let the words come out as they will. Edit your writing once you have gotten your original idea out.

♥ Try using a word processor while working. I also enjoy using Ommwriter when I need to block out the distractions and just write my heart out.

♥ Listen to instrumental music that is inspiring but not distracting. Turn off the television and close all superfluous web tabs. Shutting out distractions is a big help for me because it's easy to let multi-tasking overwhelm you and keep you from your writing.

♥ Set aside time to write free from distractions. I tend to write early in the morning or late at night when everyone is asleep.

♥ Take some time at least once per week to jot down lots of ideas. Even silly ideas can spark something brilliant. Write & doodle freely without any inner criticism.

♥ If you usually look for images or edit images prior to writing, switch things up and write the article first. And vice versa if you usually write first.

♥ Read everything & anything that inspires you. Watch your favorite movies, listen to podcasts, read magazines/newspapers/blogs. Absorb it all and let yourself be inspired. It's funny how anything can spark a new & original idea if you are receptive to it.

♥ Work away from the computer. I have a composition notebook covered in pink hearts that I like to write in.

♥ Go somewhere new like a chic cafe or a park bench. Find somewhere that works for you. My

local library has an amazing row of secluded desks fully equipped with outlets. I could spend hours there hidden away from the world.

♥ Don't stress if you don't have time to update on a daily basis. Write when you feel inspired. Your writing schedule will develop over time. The more passionate you are about what you are writing, the more frequent your posts will be.

♥ Pre-write when you feel inspired to do so. Write some articles in advance when you are feeling especially creative. Save them for a busy time in your life.

♥ Go for a walk outside and let your ideas percolate inside your mind.

♥ Set small goals and reward yourself. Sometimes I tell myself that if I write one post, I can do something fun like watch a bit of trash television or get a manicure. It sounds kinda of kooky, but it really helps you stay focused when you have something to look forward to.

♥ Dive headfirst into a blog project and get lost in your creation.

♥ Explore your hometown and find hidden inspiration.

♥ Don't apologize if you are feeling uninspired.

♥ Create inspiration collages with magazine clippings or make virtual pinboards like on Pinterest.

♥ Break from your routine. Routines start to get old and can make you feel uninspired.

♥ Grab your best friend and go for an adventure. Do something you have never done before then write about it.

♥ Dream big, even when it comes to your writing.

♥ Stop comparing yourself to other bloggers, especially pro-bloggers. We all start at the same place, so don't get discouraged by the success of other bloggers.

♥ Write about what makes your heart leap inside your chest. Odds are you won't run out of things to write about when you are truly enraptured with the topics you have chosen for your blog.

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These are just a few things that have helped me. I would love to hear your own ideas on staying inspired & working through ruts.

Lots of love & positivity,

A Quirky Update

2013-04-05T13:49:00.001-05:00

Things have been chaotic lately. I mentioned on Instagram that I checked into the hospital last week due to some complications with my autoimmune disease. I was released over the weekend and have been struggling to recover & get back to feeling more like myself again. I went back to work on Tuesday & plan to return to working out at the gym next week. It's been kind of tough getting back into my normal routines, and I have been battling terrible headaches and fatigue for the past couple of days. It's been a challenge to stay positive, but I'm motivated and determined to push forward. I also have a really wonderful support system with my fiance and family. In addition, I talk to my older sister every single day and that seems to keep my spirits high. She has always been the best person to cheer me up.

Living with a chronic illness has been one of the most difficult obstacles I have faced in my life. As an outlet, I first starting writing & journaling when I was informed about my autoimmune disease back in 2009. I have struggled with illness for most of my life, but I was finally able to put a name to what was going on with my body. Ever since I was diagnosed, I have used my illness as the motivation to stay positive and encourage others to do the same. Being chronically ill has revealed to me what I'm capable of dealing with and showed me a stronger & braver side of myself. Don't get me wrong...it's far from glamorous and there have been some really tough days along the way, but it has also pushed me further than I thought I was capable and made me a stronger person.

I rarely talk about my illness because I'm just not one of those people who wants to call attention to the fact that I'm chronically ill. I talk about it from time to time because I want to share parts of my life and connect with others who may be struggling with their own health problems, but it's not because I want sympathy or attention. It's not always easy to share these vulnerable parts of myself, especially when there are people out there who simply do not understand and tend to say hurtful things just because they can. But it's worth it to deal with a few rude people because there are so many amazing & wonderful people out there who genuinely care.

I've been writing non-stop in an old composition notebook covered in lots of whimsical animals for the past few weeks. It has been such a wonderful way to let out some of my frustrations and vent to someone who will accept me & not judge me for my feelings or opinions. I popped into a stationary store yesterday and picked up a fancy leather bound journal. I've not a big leather fan because I have a sensitivity towards animals, so it was kind of a stretch for me but I was tempted by the lovely journals and my old notebooks have a tendency to fall apart. I also busted out my fancy pens and started writing almost immediately. It has been extremely therapeutic to just write and write without any worries or inner critics.

If you have ever dealt with health problems or have family/friends who struggle with illness, I would love to hear from you. It's actually the most wonderful feeling to make a connection with someone who truly understands what you are going through.

Lots of positive vibes & warm fuzzies,

Quirky Quotes

2013-03-06T21:37:00.001-06:00

This is one of my absolute favorite quotes. I currently have it written on the dry erase message board above my office desk. It's a wonderful reminder, especially during those stressful moments between work colleagues, school peers, friends, or family members.

The photo behind the handwriting is a snippet of the beautiful blue sky and some of the trees close to my apartment. I've been nearly obsessed with photographing the sky & sunsets lately. I can always find inspiration in the vastness and enchantment of sky above us.

Lots of love & positivity,

The Adventures of an iPhoneographer

2013-03-05T23:53:00.000-06:00

I have made no secret about the fact that I'm obsessed with my iPhone. I definitely enjoy using the camera as a way to chronicle my daily adventures. Some of my favorite pictures are usually posted on Instagram or twitter, but I typically don't post all of my pictures. I have been trying to use my Nikon camera more often, but I still rely heavily on my iPhone for all my daily snapshots. One of the best things about using your smartphone as a camera is the amount of photography apps available. There are a gazillion photography apps just for iPhone. It's so much fun to download new photo apps and play around with all of the features. In addition to Instagram, my top 3 camera apps are Camera+, Afterglow, and moreBeaute2. Those have been the most used camera/filter apps on my phone lately.

While in the midst of discovering & shaping the new direction of my blog, I sat down to compile a list of the 3 topics I wanted to write about on a weekly basis. Those topics were positivity, my photography adventures, and finding joy in the simple things. I also wanted to work on incorporating some weekly or monthly features. I have never been very good at creating features for my blog and have struggled with the idea of writing about the same topic every week or month. It's also difficult not to simply copy another blogger's feature, especially since we are all coming up with similar ideas. While this is definitely not a blog focused strictly on photography, I felt inspired to create my first weekly feature & incorporate my interest in photography.

I have always been interested in photography ever since I was given my very first fun saver disposable camera. I can fondly remember snapping pictures of the sky, anything colorful, and all of my relatives. Unfortunately, I struggle with my confidence regarding my abilities as a photographer because of all the probloggers out there with their fancy cameras & photographer boyfriends. Not that any of those things are bad, but we are all at different levels and it can be extremely difficult not to compare ourselves to others. Rather than let myself be discouraged or compare myself to the many talented blog authors in the blog-o-sphere, I plan to share my efforts & progress with you as I learn more about photography and develop my own style. One of my new features for this blog will be all about my daily adventures through the pictures captured on my iPhone.

Lots of warm wishes & positive vibes,

March Resolutions

2013-03-03T01:06:00.002-06:00

Can you believe that March is already here? Also, can you believe that we are nearly a quarter of the way through 2013? Absolute madness, I do declare. February came and went in what seemed like an instant. I'm impatiently waiting for the beginning of spring. It was quite anticlimactic to don my strappy sandals last Sunday only to have a blizzard & 20 inches of snow dash all of my springtime dreams. I actually was forced to spend 2 days home from work because the driving conditions were unsafe/impossible. I'm desperate for a nice sunny day and a picnic at the park down the street from my apartment.

The beginning of a brand new month is like a fresh canvas. It's a chance to start over and to evaluate the things that just didn't work out during the previous month. It's also the perfect time to create a list of goals & resolutions for the month. For me, it's an excuse to re-organize my handbag, clean out my office & apartment, and bust out my Filofax in order to compile some to-do & goal lists for the month.

My Goals & Resolutions for March:

Get more active: I finally broke down and signed up for a grown up gym membership. I absolutely hate the gym at our apartment unit and have been avoiding my normal workouts. I'm excited to get back into my routine workouts. I always feel more energetic & motivated when I workout on a regular basis. I'm not one of those people who work out 7 days per week, but I do enjoy being more active & getting in some cardio.

Organize my closet and storage unit: It's time to start spring cleaning around my apartment. My closet has become a very scary place over the last few months and it's time to re-organize and clean out all of the unwanted clothing & items.

Learn & master some new crochet projects & stitches: I have been collecting some adorable crochet projects on pinterest for a few weeks. I also bought some colorful yarn at the craft store a few days ago so I could start working on some of those projects during the month.

Finish my to-do list for all of my wedding details for the month: I have about a zillions things to get done this month for my wedding in May. I have a list of diy projects that I need to complete this month in order to stay on schedule.

Cook more often: I have always wanted to be one of those super organized people who plan out their menus for the week and prepare all of their lunches in colorful tupperware. I went to the store last night and filled up my kitchen with a plethora of delicious food. I also bought a dry erase calendar to put on my fridge & plan out my meals for the week.

Little Goals for March:

Spend more time with my family, read 5 of the books on my reading list, take George to the dog park every weekend, re-decorate my guest bedroom, laugh out loud more often, bake cupcakes for my office, take pictures with my camera every day, and remind the people in my life how special they are to me

Lots of warm wishes & positive thoughts,

A Quirky Blog Manifesto

2013-03-01T00:09:00.001-06:00

As you can see, my blog has a new look! I have spent the last week working on a new & more simplified blog design concept. I took the Blog (Design) Love & Blog Love e-courses over at A Beautiful Mess. Although I spent many evenings, afternoons, and early mornings crouched over my laptop like a creeper, I feel extremely happy with the final product. I was able to develop a design, create the elements using Adobe Photoshop & Adobe Illustrator, and do my own HTML coding. I have taken several classes in HTML coding, so my real challenge was working on the design aspect. I wanted something more grown up, simple, and still just a little bit quirky.

I'm still working on the Blog Love e-course, spending many evening just furiously scribbling ideas into a composition notebook covered in hearts. I also have post-its covering every free space on my desk, walls, and cork boards. I nearly explode into spaz mode whenever a bout of inspiration hits me (which is usually when I'm at work or busy on the telephone). I'm learning a lot about my identity as a blog author and allowing my writing to evolve.

Since I began the adventure as a blogger, I have struggled with finding my niche and honing in on my main purpose as a writer. I have read zillions of blog articles about blogging, and they all highlight the importance of finding your niche. It's has been a challenge because I'm interested and passionate about so many different topics. While I don't expect myself to write about EVERYTHING, I still feel like I shouldn't limit myself to a single category. It's like a pigeon hole for blogging. I just feel like I don't fit in completely with any of the pre-made blog categories. It's a daunting task trying find your place in this blogging world.

A Quirky Girl's Blog is a refuge for eccentrics, weirdos, and the genuinely quirkified. It is also my own little corner of the inter-web where I explore magical positivity, living with gratitude, serendipity, and being kind to others & yourself. I believe that every day begins with a choice to life with gratitude. Each day is filled with splendidly imperfect moments, serendipitous happenings, numerous opportunities to be kind and a multitude of adventures. I write about choosing joy, finding magic in the ordinary, and my crusade to completely discover self love. I share my own ideas, photographs, anecdotes, and stories here. While some would classify my blog as personal, I like to think of it as a personal lifestyle blog. A hodge podge of silly & serious.

Don't get me wrong. This is not a meadow plastered with cupcakes & rainbows (although I love both of those things). I am definitely not under the impression that every day begins with a flurry of blue birds chirping happily while arranging tulips and roses in my hair. Like I have said before, each day is a choice. No one is perfect and everyone has their own daily struggles. It isn't about being perfectly happy, grateful and kind all the time. It's about trying your best and accepting yourself fully despite your shortcomings & mistakes. My main goal as a writer is to encourage others to make a choice to live with a grateful attitude, to battle self-loathing with a vengeance, and to constantly keep trying.

So, voila...that is my blogging manifesto in a nutshell. The wonderful & incredible thing about being a blog author is the power you have to transform, change, and morph your blog into anything your heart desires. Your blog should follow suit as you grow as a person & as your life progresses. Don't feel pressured to represent every aspect of your life or interests. Your blog is just a peek into those things. If you are planning on undertaking a dramatic blog makeover, give yourself plenty of time to reflect on your goals as a writer and keep in mind your website's needs as you prepare a new design. I like to keep my blogging ideas organized in a notebook that can easily slip into my satchel while I'm at work or on the go.

I would definitely suggest taking an e-course or utilizing the many sources out there on the web, especially if you want to create your own design. There is nothing wrong with hiring a designer to create the perfect blog design for you, but there is something extremely magical about creating for yourself. Even if you are inexperienced at HTML or designing, don't be afraid to give it a try.

Many positive thoughts & warm wishes,

Blog Renovations

2013-02-20T21:44:00.001-06:00

You may have noticed that my blog has been kind of a mess lately and my posting has been extremely sparse. I just wanted to pop in and let you know that I'm undergoing a blog makeover. I'm taking the blog design & blog love courses offered over at A Beautiful Mess. At first I thought I could easily get through all of the material in a few nights, but it has been quite process. I'm learning a lot about myself as a writer & blogger. It is taking much more time than I anticipated, but I feel that it is important for me to take as much time as I need. I'm feeling nearly overwhelmed with all of the new ideas swimming in my head and the inspiration from the courses has sparked my blogging engines. My blog may appear to be a little bit wonky while I'm working on my new design, so please bare with me...and also, please excuse the mess!

Little Reminder!

2013-02-02T07:00:00.000-06:00

Image by Shopredautumn

Sending lots of postive thoughts your way!

Hello, 2013: A Quirky List of Resolutions for a Brand New Year!

2013-01-03T19:17:00.002-06:00

Now that the bubbly champagne (or sparkling grape juice in my case) has been guzzled and the confetti glitter has been swept up, it feels appropriate to formally welcome 2013. The beginning of a brand new year has always been an exciting time for me. Just like the beginning of each new week or the start of a brand new month. For me, it's a blank canvas just waiting for all of my adventures & misadventures.

To be honest, I'm quite sad to see 2012 go. It was a tough & trying year for me to say the least, yet it was filled with some pretty amazing moments. It was a transition period for my life...almost a make it or break it situation. And in retrospect, I'm certain that I definitely learned many lessons and gently grew more than I may have realized at the time. I have been struggling to return to my blog writing for the past few months, and I feel that part of it has been a mental block which appeared midway through the year when I was struggling with health problems & tremendous amounts of stress. It has been difficult for me to address the situation, and I have found that avoiding my blog altogether has been my way to cope. Now that the New Year has begun, I feel dedicated to rediscovering my passion for writing. I have known many people who simply abandon their endeavors, yet I cannot let go of my blog. It has been a part of me for several years and has gotten me through some incredibly difficult moments in my life.

I'm an avid believer in resolutions. It's more about creating & cultivating who you are as a person rather than simply improving yourself on the outside. I enjoy creating monthly resolutions as well because I feel that we are always changing & growing and our resolutions should do the same. Last week, I sat down at my desk with a huge cup of chai tea and composed a list of resolutions for 2013. It only took me about 15 minutes to come up with a mammoth list of goals, dreams, and wishes. I decided that I would just share my top 10, so here they are...

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What are your resolutions for 2013? I would love to hear from you!

Lots of love & positivity,

Little Reminder

2012-12-02T18:53:00.001-06:00

“The invariable mark of wisdom is to see the miraculous in the common.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson

Hello December

2012-12-01T19:25:00.001-06:00

Can you believe that December has already arrived? It seems like it was just October. Although it has been a pretty tough year for me, I feel that it has zoomed by at the speed of light. Now the holiday season has arrived and the hope & excitement for a brand new year is swirling about in the air. December is one of my favorite months because I greatly enjoy getting enraptured with the magic of the holiday season. I have already put up my tree and decorated it with colorful tinsel, mint candy canes, and some colorful owl ornaments. A massive bakefest of holiday goodies is in my near future as well.

I'm listening to the She & Him holiday album and sipping on a cup of Twining pumpkin spice tea as I compose this post. The weather has just started to cool down in Amarillo, and I'm hopeful that our first snowfall will not be too far away. Scarf & boot weather is probably my favorite.

I have been struggling with my writing lately, feeling almost insecure about my abilities to put words down onto paper. I have even shied away from writing in my journal. I find it difficult to even write short paragraphs without going back to edit & erase. I've always been a very confident writer, composing my thoughts without a worry and taking the time edit only after I had a chance to express my thoughts freely. Now I am feeling much more critical of myself and my writing. Have you ever struggled with an inner critic?

I have been in an extreme transition period for the past few months, moving to a brand new city & starting a full time job. The freedom has been exhilarating at times, but often I find myself feeling homesick for all that I have been familiar with. This has definitely been an adventure. I have had a reoccuring dream about hot air balloons over the past couple of weeks. Always the dreamologist, I feel that this dream holds a deeper meaning for me. Perhaps its meaning will reveal itself to me when I need it most.

I just wanted to pop in and welcome December. The arrival of December has always felt much like the arrival of a beloved & old friend.

Wherever you are in the world, I sincerely hope that you are warm, safe, and filled with contentedness.

Sending positive vibes your way,

A Quirky Update

2012-11-13T20:55:00.001-06:00

Things have definitely been rather quiet around these parts lately. I have been struggling with some gruesome health problems for the past couple of weeks, and I simply wanted to keep any negativity away from my blog. As some of you know, I have an autoimmune disease that I have lived with for a better part of my adult life. Occasionally, I slip into a rough patch and struggle through a few weeks of what I like to call "the crummies". I recently started a brand new job with a home health agency, and the excitement of starting something new has helped me to pull myself out of the doldrums. My new job is actually my very first full time position since I graduated from college, so I definitely have high expectations of myself to get things right.

Earlier today while on a long walk with George, my wire haired fox terrier, I saw some colorful autumn leaves dancing in the breeze, and I instantly felt inspired to return to my blog. Lately I have been feeling extremely tired due to my illness, and my lack of energy has caused some mild depression because I am unable to do all of the things I love. I have been going for long walks with my dog to cope with some of those weird & unexplainable feelings. That may sound a tad kooky, but I have always benefitted from extremely and almost dramatically long walks. It's a wonderful escape whenever I need to clear my head or think about life in general. In addition to long walks, I also like to take really hot baths in epsom salt and listen to my favorite music on Pandora. I have been giving myself extra attention lately, and it has helped me deal with my stress & negativity. It has also helped me deal with some stubborn insomnia. Strangely enough for an extreme night owl, I have been going to bed rather early & getting up with enough time to enjoy my coffee.

Wherever you are in the world, I hope you are doing well.

Lots of love & positivity,

Love Letter

2012-10-03T23:57:00.000-05:00

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Dear You,

Choose to shine because you always shine brightly, especially when you genuinely smile. Choose to live with gratitude & appreciate every second of the day. Understand that your day doesn't have to be perfect in order to be wonderful. Splendid imperfection is one life's biggest blessings in disguise. Remember to smile because even when you are feeling a little bit down, a smile will tell your brain to be happy. Embrace the positive & learn to let go of the negative. Make room for love, happiness, and contentment by releasing anger. Allow yourself to let go and laugh out loud more often. Stop worrying about all of the silly details and let things fall into place more often. Go on adventures when your heart aches for a change. Give people a chance instead of constantly having your guard up. Forgive others and let it go. Speak up when you have something to say. Your opinion matters, too. Stop being so hard on yourself all the time. No one is perfect. Being perfect is boring anyways.You are an amazing person with a uniqueness that only you can bring into this world. Of all the people on this planet, you deserve your own love & acceptance the most. Don't forget it.

Love, Me

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A letter to myself. What would you say to yourself if you could write it out in a letter??

Hello October

2012-10-02T11:49:00.001-05:00

October is one of my favorite months...because it means the beginning of autumn. I have always been obsessed with all things related to autumn including pumpkins of all sizes, colorful leaves, the smell of spices, scarves, and pumpkin spice lattes. I have acquired a massive collection of colored tights & fuzzy scarves while rummaging through bargin bins during the hottest months of the year. I cannot wait until the weather begins to cool down, and I can once again dawn some of my autumn staples: tights, a pair of boots, and a scarf.

I wanted to welcome October by compiling a list of goals for the remainder of the month. I make a list of my goals every week and prioritize them carefully. Ever since I started high school, I have been an avid list maker. I have found that I can function more efficiently & productively when I have a set list of tasks to accomplish. I tend to have the attention span of a squirrel if I don't take the time to organize my schedule & make a to-do list.

October Goals:

Take more photos.

Cook 15 new recipes this month.

Make more time for reading.

Take a digital break every week.

Search for & post more of my favorite quotes.

Go to the dog park with George a few times every week.

Drink an obscene amount of water.

Clean out my closet & organize my office.

Let go of anger and make room for acceptance & love.

Buy lots of pumpkins for my front porch.

Have weekly date nights with my fiance.

Focus on the positive and let go of the negative.

Approach situations with patience.

Finish my crochet projects for this month.

Continue to write in my journal.

Begin & end each day with gratitude.

What are your goals for October?? Do you have some marvelous plans for Halloween? Zeth & I are hosting a Halloween themed engagement dinner at the end of the month. We are still working on costume ideas & party favors, but we are extremely excited about the entire shindig.

Lots of love & positivity,

p.s. I'm in the middle of renovating things around here, so please excuse the mess!

A Peek Into My Life Lately

2012-09-24T00:23:00.000-05:00

I'm obsessed with pink right now if you could not tell. It's all over my apartment, too.

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My week has been a whirlwind of busyness...and I couldn't be happier with a filofax full of appointments & reminders. I'm definitely happiest when I have a busy schedule. On the other hand, it is easy to become overwhelmed with an extra-busy schedule, especially as autumn approaches. There is an invisible force pushing me to be better and a sneaky pressure to be on top of my game at all times. After talking to some of my friends, I have realized that I'm not the only one suffering from the autumn rush. There are only three more months left in 2012, and it feels like I'm in a panic to jam-pack my life before the end of the year. Recently, I've started writing journal-style in a light pink moleskine. It's small enough to slip easily into my handbag, and I pull it out to jot down my thoughts whenever I'm feeling inspired. It's a wonderful outlet for all of my jumbled thoughts, stressful rants, and blissful dreams. I also loving a real & tangible journal. I'm definitely a tech-savy, iPad lovin' girl, but there is just something magical about having a physical journal made with paper just waiting to be filled with my words. If you are also struggling with some of the autumn blues, try writing out your thoughts in a notebook of your favorite color. I think it will make you feel a little bit better after venting to a true confidant.

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Here is a small peek into my life lately through my instagram:

Here are some bits & bobs in my new apartment.

Some of my recent culinary creations. Well, the beef bourguignon was courtesy of my dreamy fiance, but I made everything else. I love having my own kitchen to create & bake in.

My first pumpkin spice latte, my new haircut, pumpkins at my favorite grocery store, and Apollo perched above my feet on the couch.

I'm excitedly waiting for autumn's arrival. I have lots of colorful tights & boots waiting for the weather to cool down. I can always tell when autumn is on the verge of arriving because I come down an overwhelming urge to bake pumpkin pies & build homemade wreaths with cinnamon pine cones. My favorite thing of autumn is the change of color & all of the lovely autumn smells.

What is your favorite thing about the arrival of autumn??

Lots of positive vibes & lovely thoughts,

A Quirky Guide to Living With Anxiety & Depression

2012-09-20T01:06:00.001-05:00

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While discussing the topic of mental illness one night over dinner with some of my friends, I realized how little people really know about anxiety & depression. Honestly, unless you struggle with chronic anxiety or depression, you truly have no idea how it feels. As most of you already know, I have struggled with anxiety and depression for quite some time. My anxiety/depression is a symptom of my thyroid autoimmune disease, and I have been working towards living with gratitude & positivity ever since I was diagnosed back in 2009. Recently I received a very touching email from a reader who wrote about her own personal struggles with depression. She asked for some of my suggestions on how to cope. Because I rarely talk about my illness, I thought it would be an interesting topic to broach.

Before I start this post, I would just like to disclaim that I am not an expert on treating anxiety, depression, or any other medical/mental illnesses. Of course, because I struggle with anxiety, I do feel confident in sharing my own coping mechanisms and experiences. I would just like to express that we are unique & different, so our experiences will vary.

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There are a lot of people out there who suffer from their own degree of anxiety or depression. For whatever reason, they are afflicted with uncontrollable feelings & emotions. And the worst part of having anxiety or depression is that awful feeling in the pit of your stomach. The paralyzing affect, the feeling that you're out of control, and the knowledge that you're different from the rest of the world.
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My battle with anxiety:

I've always felt like I experienced life differently than most people. I've been very sensitive and in touch with my emotions since I was very young. I worry about things and notice details that most people disregard. I'm always thinking about something, even when I'm trying to sleep or watch a movie. My experience with anxiety has been an ongoing struggle for years. I started having extreme anxiety in high school. My mom would often find me curled up in a ball in the corner of the bathroom. She would try to get me to open up to her, but I struggled to find a way to explain myself. The scariest part of developing anxiety is not being able to truly describe how or what you are feeling. Because I was a teenager, my doctor assumed that my anxiety was due to stress from school. Unfortunately, my extreme anxiety was just the first symptom of a bigger health problem.

I started seeing a local family practice doctor during my junior year in high school who was convinced that I had OCD. In an attempt to control my anxiety, I had adopted many quirks and organizational techniques to quell my anxious tendencies. I would color code my study notes, walk the same exact routes, continually rearrange my room, and set all of the clocks in my house exactly 5 minutes fast. It wasn't until I was in college that I found out that I was simply adopting coping mechanisms for extreme anxiety.

Many doctors in the past have suggested that I begin taking anti-depressants to help with my anxiety, but I have always been very sensitive about medicine. I'm not keen on the idea of taking medicine unless it is absolutely necessary. When I was diagnosed with my thyroid autoimmune disease, I found out that anti-depressants would not have helped my situation because my anxiety was caused by my disease. I'm glad that I listened to my body and decided against the use of medicine to treat my anxiety.
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Quirky Ideas on How to Cope:

♥ Focus inward...Listen to your body and treat it with love & respect. You should never punish yourself for feeling poorly. Self-hate is the worst possible way to deal with anxiety and depression. Give your body the things it needs to be healthy. Resolve that you are worth it.

♥ Develop a mantra...I recently started using EFT to help with my anxiety. This may or may not interest you, but it has helped just to chant my mantra during especially troublesome times. I say, "Despite my extreme anxiety, I love and fully accept myself exactly the way I am."

♥ Take things slowly...Go your own pace. The rest of the world always seems to be in a hurry. For someone with anxiety, it's best to take things slowly and makes sure that you aren't missing any steps along the way. Don't let anyone rush you or make you feel like you need to hurry up. Also, try to set extra time aside so you can arrive early to engagements without rushing.

♥ Find comforting activities...One of my favorite things to do when I'm feeling stressed or anxious is workout, take a really hot shower, or call up my sister to vent. Everyone is different so you will need to identify some activities that help you cope during a period of anxiety or depression.

♥ Consider vitamin supplements...I am such an advocate for vitamin supplement therapy. My mom started researching vitamin therapy several years ago and has been using me as her guinea pig ever since. Most of you don't know this, but my mom is a brilliant nurse. She is probably one of the smartest people I know. When I started getting sick, she did a lot of research, even consulting one of her contacts at the Mayo clinic. She put together a vitamin regime that I can take when I'm feeling anxious. We call it my anxiety potion. On top of a daily multi-vitamin, I take a B complex, Inositol, Valerian root, and GABA.

♥Consider medication...As I have mentioned before, I decided not to take medication for my anxiety. But some people have a lot of success by taking anti-depressants to help deal with their anxiety or depression. There isn't any shame in getting a little bit of help from prescription medications. I think it's best to listen to your body and decide on what is going to make you feel your happiest and healthiest.

♥ Keep a journal...I keep a small section of my filofax aside for anxious thoughts or scribbles. Sometimes all you need is to vent a little bit or get your worries out on paper.

♥ Go for a walk...Put on your headphones and go for a long walk. I love to go walking when I need some time alone to think. The physical exercise is also good for your disposition.

♥ Develop a support system...I think we have all been guilty of pushing away those in our lives who really want to be there for us. I always feel like a burden to my family, and I often keep to myself when I'm feeling down. Lately, I've been leaning on my family more and they have really helped me to feel better & secure.

♥ Find someone to talk or vent to...Or consider seeing a counselor if you need some extra help. A lot of schools, universities, and work places now have some type of counselor on staff. Speaking with someone trained to deal with anxiety or depression can give you a different perspective. They can help you discover triggers and develop your own unique coping mechanisms.

♥ Stay busy...While I'm not encouraging you to simply ignore your anxiety, I do believe that it's easier to cope when you aren't just sitting around like a lump. On the other hand, do not overload yourself with activities and obligations that will only perpetuate your anxiety. Commit to things that make you happy and put energy into your favorite hobbies.
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Surprisingly, there are a lot of people out there who suffer from some type of anxiety. Johnny Depp, Oprah Winfrey, and Barbara Streisand just to name a few. I feel that one of the worst things about anxiety is the overwhelming feeling of being alone. Just know that you are not alone in your struggles.
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Do you struggle with anxiety or depression? I would love to hear about your struggles and ways of coping.

Lots of love & positivity,

A Quirky Girl's Guide to Blogging!

2012-09-12T21:50:00.000-05:00

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Have I ever mentioned how much I love getting emails? Lately, it feels like I've received more than the usual amount of emails from readers who are curious about my thoughts on blogging. While I'm not an expert blogger, I am a self-made blogger who started out from scratch with only a few friends to support my endeavors. I felt inspired to compose a post all about blogging after reading through all of my recent emails. Feel free to add your own ideas & tips in the comment section below!

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1. Be Willing to Work Hard! Being a blog author requires a lot of work, time, and dedication. Even if you are just blogging for fun, you will still have to put in a lot of time preparing your posts, managing your content, and organizing your blog space. If you are really interested in blogging, make a solid commitment to your blog. A great majority of people who start out blogging eventually abandon their blogs after a short while because of a lack of readers or site traffic. It takes an enormous amount of hard work and patience to create a successful blog with a strong following. Don't be discouraged if things on your blog are not picking up right away. Be patient & put in the hard work. Your determination will definitely reflect in your content and encourage readers to return to your blog.

2. Don't Count Your Comments. We all adore receiving feedback from our readers, especially after you have worked extremely hard on a particular post. But it can be discouraging at times if you base your blog's success on the number of comments you receive. The truth about comments is that a great deal of your readers will never leave a single comment. People refrain from commenting for a number of reasons. Some are too shy or feel they don't have anything intriguing to say. Others just have a lot of other things to do and blogs to read, or they don't have the time to leave comments. Whatever the case, don't let a lull in commenting discourage you from writing. If you are curious about who is actually reading your blog, install a traffic tracker like feedjit. It will give you a better idea of who is reading your posts.

3. Find Fresh Ways to Stay Inspired.One of my favorite ways to find inspiration for my blog is to read other blogs. I often think of random blog topics just from reading the thoughts of other writers. Now I'm definitely not encouraging you to steal the ideas of other bloggers out there, but I do believe that we all feed off each other's creativity. If you do like a particular post or feature, send the author an email and ask for permission to use their idea. I also enjoy reading my favorite magazines and looking at image database websites such as Pinterest & Weheartit. If I'm having writer's block, I usually grab my camera and go for a walk or drive. I also carry around a composition notebook and jot down random blog ideas when they come to me. If you think of something to write about, make sure to scribble it down somewhere before you forget about it! If you are a visual person, you may benefit from an inspiration board.

4. Find Your Niche. The best way to start out blogging is to write about what you know. Write about your interests & passions. Many bloggers often declare a niche topic such as fashion, crafts, productivity, beauty, etc. Another option would be to target a niche audience and write based on the interests of that specific group. I prefer to write based on my own interests, problems, obsessions, and challenges. I write about a variety of topics, attempt to dip into various areas of interest, and constantly change up my feature posts. Figure out what works best for you and write based on your niche. In other words, write about what excites and provokes you as a writer. If that happens to be one specific topic or a wide variety of topics, so be it. Play up your strengths and explore what you are passionate about!

5. Stay Connected With Your Readers. Respond to comments, return emails, and just give a hoot about your readers. Also, take a little time to stop by the blogs of some of your readers and leave comments. When I first started blogging, I spent hours and hours just visiting blogs and leaving comments. I still take a little time every week to visit new blogs and say hello. It's the best way to get your name and blog out there.

6. Quality of Content Over Quantity. It's very easy to get wrapped up in the stress of cranking out those articles. Although I have never felt threatened by other bloggers, we all have to keep up with each other in the blogging world in order to keep our readers interested. While it would be wonderful if you had the time to post a good quality article every day, it may not be realistic. It's better to post fewer articles of excellent quality rather than a large amount of poor quality articles.

7. Allow the appearance of your blog to enhance your blog content. Arrange your blog in an organized manner and customize it with fancy fonts and different colors. If the technical side of blogging isn't your strong-suit, ask a friend to help or hire a blog designer. While your content should be the most important thing on your blog, I strongly feel that the appearance of your blog can have a powerful impact on your readers. I tend to find myself more attracted to blogs with creative headers and whimsical color schemes. Putting a little effort into making your blog unique is like making a good first impression when meeting someone new. It's definitely worth the effort.

8. Network.Linking up with fellow bloggers, readers, friends, and family can be very helpful in promoting your blog. Networking allows you to notify your readers when you have new content and attracts new readers who may be interested in what you have written about. Don't be shy about promoting your blog through your social media. If you are afraid of bombarding your friends with spamy reminders, try opening up a separate account for your blog.

9. Be Willing to Learn. There is a plethora of information out there on the internet waiting for you. If you don't know how to do something technical, look it up and learn how to help yourself. Be willing to put in the time to learn. You will be very proud of yourself after you have solved your own problems through research & trouble-shooting.

10. Set Yourself Apart. Be creative. Take risks. Think outside the box. Don't follow all the trends. Put your own personal spin on whatever it is you are writing about. Set yourself apart from the others and help your readers to see your unique viewpoint. Find your own trademark and run with it.

Sending you lots of positive vibes!

Little Reminder!

2012-09-09T02:25:00.004-05:00

In other words, life is all about soaking up all of those little moment that make you smile unexpectedly & living every day with gratitude.

Happy Sunday!!

Much love & positivity,

A Peak Into My Life Via Instagram!

2012-09-04T02:01:00.001-05:00

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I have finally returned to world of blogging after what seemed like an extremely long hiatus. My summer was incredibly busy & stressful, but with the support of my new fiance, I made it through in one piece. I spent most the summer working, travelling, and taking the final classes of my undergraduate degree. I took Spanish 3 & 4 along with Public Speaking during the months of June and July. The day after I finished my undergraduate, I packed up all of my belongings and moved to Amarillo, Texas. It feels like my entire world has turned upside down now that I live more 300 miles away from family. The transition has been difficult, but I'm starting to love my new apartment & home. I have greatly enjoyed organizing my apartment & exploring my home.

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This is my favorite spot in my brand new apartment. I took me several days of rearranging before I finally settled on the placement of my desk.

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Here is a peak at my new bathroom. I have already added a set of shelves for my cosmetics since snapping this picture. This is the first bathroom that is completely mine because I have always shared with one of my siblings. I love having my own space to apply makeup and get ready in the morning.

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I bought this side table dish when I was unsure of my decision to move. I bought it to remind me to always seek the things that make my heart flutter.

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I had an impromtu ice cream fest because my wisdom teeth started to come in and the pain only subsided with cool foods. It was a lot of fun to try several new flavors.

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One of my best friends made me this cute cross stitch for my new home; Apollo sensed that I needed some extra love; A peak at my grocery cart; Some gorgeous cupcakes from the bakery across the stress from my apartment.

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Here is a peak at my new haircut.

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Lots of positive vibes,

A Quirky Girl's Guide to Working Out

2012-07-27T17:47:00.000-05:00

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One of my favorite things to do when I'm feeling edgy or stressed out is to throw on my sneakers, grab my pup, and go for a run. The endorphines you receive from physical activity have a magical affect on me, especially when I get my heart pumping while jamming out to my favorite workout playlists. Now, I haven't always been a big fan of working out. Like a lot of people, I used to trudge to the gym a few times a week just to stay in shape. These days, I try to get active everyday in fun & unique ways. For me, working out has to have variety in order to keep me engaged.

The other day, a random girl at the gym asked me how to get started. She expressed that she really wanted to utilize our gym, but she was completely lost. I am not an expert when it comes to fitness, and I would suggest consulting your physician especially if you have any health issues. But I was inspired to write a blog post with some tips on getting started because I have always loved being active. Getting active does not require a lot of fancy equipment. Having a gym membership is a great workout resource but it can also be quite costly. All of the fancy machines & weights can also be intimidating for those new to working out. Working out should also be fun and personalized for your physical needs.

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Advice on Getting Started:

Before you start a workout regime, sit down and write out your workout goals & limitations. Do you want to slim down? Are you hoping to tone up? Do you have any health issues to keep in mind? How much time can you commit to your workout on a daily basis? These are things that you need to keep on mind when you begin your workout journey.

My best advice for anyone starting a workout routine is to start out slowly. I would not advice jumping into a rigorous program if your body is not accustomed to such conditions. Slowly add more activities & challenges into your routine as you go. If you find that an exercise that was once challenging has become easier, increase the intensity or add more repetitions. If you find yourself completely exhausted or very sore, give yourself some time off to rest. Don't overdo it or you could do more damage than good to yourself.

I tend to be very organized about my workouts. At the beginning of the week, I sit down and jot down the different activities I want to accomplish during the week, and then I schedule when I will do each activity in the calendar section of my filofax. Having a plan in place helps me so I don't have to think too much during the week when I'm really busy. Some people enjoy making up their workout routines as they go. It is all about personal customization.

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No-GYM-Required Workout Ideas:

A lot of people shy away from working out because the idea of huffing & puffing in a crowded gym sounds more like their own personal type of torture than a way to stay in shape. I have always loved a well stocked gym because there are some many choices & options. Gyms also usually have someone on staff who can answer questions & give you workout ideas. But if gyms are just not your thing, worry not. There are plenty of other ways to stay in shape outside of the gym. Here are some of my own ideas for a non-gym workout:

Go for a walk around your neighborhood, play tag with your kids or pets, vacuum your entire house (yes, cleaning is exercise), jumprope, dance, pilates/yoga, exercise DVD's, run up & down the stairs, chase your dog around the yard, play frisbee with your friends, jump on a trampoline, go to your local mall and walk around the entire building a few times, do jumping jacks during all of the commercials while you are catching up on your trash tv, park as far away from your building as possible, take the stairs instead of the elevator ( we used to live on the 15th floor of an apartment building, and I would always get my cardio when climbing up the stairs), do leg lifts & squats while brushing your teeth, go for a bicycle ride ( some cities even have bicycle rental available), put on some hip hop music while you are cleaning the house and have several dance breaks in between rooms, or go swimming at your local municipal pool.

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My Workout Essentials:

Comfortable workout outfits...Look for comfortable and breathable fabrics when shopping for workout clothing. You don't want to feel self-conscious about your outfit while you are trying to focus on a challenging workout. I tend to pair shorts or breathable sweatpants with a comfortable tee or tank top. Make sure to bring a hair tie/headband to keep your hair out of your eyes. I also like to wear an elastic headband to keep my bangs from getting sweaty( oh, so glamourous) Victoria Secret's PINK makes some really cute workout clothing.

Colorful sports bras...I tend to buy Champion Women's sports bras because they are comfortable & very supportive. Victoria's Secret has some cute sports bras, but their sizing can be selective.

A good pair of workout sneakers...I recently purchased a pair of toning Reebok sneakers and wore them for an entire week during my workout. The results were incredible. Toning sneakers are not a requirement because they can be costly, but you do need a pair of good quality athletic shoes. Make sure that your shoes fit you well before wearing them during a workout. Shoes that are too tight or too big can cause extreme blisters. I gravitate towards black sneakers, but you can usually find sneakers in many different color combinations. Before working out, be sure that your sneakers have proper arch support or you could end up with an exercise related injury.

A water canteen...Fill up your canteen with cool water prior to working out and keep it with you in order to stay hydrated through out your workout. I just bought a hot pink glitter canteen to tote along on walks & workouts.

A workout bag...A place to put all of your small workout essentials & a change of clothes. I like to pack my sneakers & workout clothes inside my bag the night before. I'm more likely to workout if half the battle is already packed & ready to go in the morning. Some others things to consider putting in your bag include baby wipes, mini hairspray, body mist, mini deodorant, hair clips, dry shampoo, headphones, and a small snack.

Sunglasses...Make sure to protect your eyes if you decide to workout while outdoors. I love to go for walks/jogs outside, but it's important to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun. You can also wear sunscreen if you so desire.

Yoga/pilates mat...I love to do pilates, but it's such a pain when you don't have a mat to workout on. A lot of pilates/yoga studios will provide mats, but there is always a chance that you may not get one. It's also handy to have your own mat if you want to do pilates/yoga videos at home. I found some cute yoga mats at Marshall's the other day in a variety of sizes and colors.

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Working out can be fun as long as you continue to change things up and keep your personal goals in mind. Remember to constantly reward yourself for all of the hard work. I like to get a pedicure or spend an evening watching my favorite shows as a reward for getting through my weekly workout routine. Think of some ways to keep yourself motivated and go with it. And if you get off track or simply don't have time to workout when you had planned to, let it go and hit your workout even harder the following day.

I would love to hear some of your workout ideas!

Lots of love & positivity,

Thankfulness: My Gratitude List

2012-07-22T22:00:00.000-05:00

THANKFULNESS: MY GRATITUDE LIST

Hello, Lovely Friend! I do hope that you are having a most splendid week. The heat of summer has been weighing on me lately, and I find myself longing for a nice dip in a crystal blue pool, a fruity drink to sip on, and a long nap while stretched out underneath a colorful umbrella. Of course, these daydreams are usually deflated by my gigantic stack of projects at work. Oh, well. A quirky girl can dream.

Summertime is a time for clandestine dreams & serendipitous adventures! What are some your favorite things about the summer months? As much as I complain about the sweltering heat, I do love being able to wear flip flops & sundresses all the time. I usually stock up on flip flops from Old Navy at the beginning of every summer. I think I have pair in every color of the spectrum.

I have decided that Sundays are officially my favorite day of the week. I always enjoy a lovely day of leisure filled with grocery shopping, manicures, and catching up on my favorite magazine/book. What better way to enjoy my favorite day of the week than to compose my weekly list of gratitude!

MY LIST OF THANKFULNESS

Kate Spade iPhone cases, strawberry lemonade, talking on the phone with my older brother, listening to music while doodling inside a hot pink composition notebook, side braids, t-strap heels, cute umbrellas, hot fudge sundaes, American bull dogs, hot showers, Bath & Body Works shower gels, colorful flip flops, singing along to the radio while driving all over town, creative duct tape, shopping with my best friend, dinner dates, tempura shrimp sushi, vintage typewriters, having someone to talk to about everything, going to see The Dark Knight Rises at the IMAX with my fiance, vanilla bean scented conditioner, orange tabby cats, and job interviews.

What are you thankful for today?

A Peek Into My Life Via Instagram!

2012-07-17T01:05:00.000-05:00

Lovely sunsets are one of my favorite things about living in Texas. I'm sure that there are some beautiful sunsets in other states, but Texas sunsets are my favorite.

I made this collage using the Martha Stewart iPad app. It's one of my favorite apps for photo collaging.

An inspiring quote that I pasted inside my filofax.

I bought this cute wall print for my new apartment. I'm moving to Amarillo in less than 4 weeks. Eep!

I have stalked this makeup palette for the better part of the year. I finally splurged on it.

My work space

I went on an ice cream date with my fiance the other day. My favorite flavors of ice cream are birthday cake & mint chocolate chip.

There is an adorable frozen yogurt shop in my town. I took my best friend there last night and we enjoyed our yogurt while sitting underneath a colorful umbrella.

There are my favorite sunglasses. I always feel like I should be wearing a silky headscarf that flaps in the breeze while wearing these cat eye sunglasses.

Do you have an instagram account? I would love to be insta-friend! My username is happytobequirky.

Lots of love & positive vibes,

Little Reminder!

2012-07-05T22:24:00.001-05:00

"You can explore the universe looking for somebody who is more deserving of your love and affection than you are yourself, and you will not find that person anywhere."

--Buddha

Lots of love & positivity,

Hello July: Resolutions for a Month of Magical Positivity!

2012-07-02T23:44:00.001-05:00

Some recently asked me what my handwriting looks like so here you go!

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Hello Lovely Friend! I'm beyond excited to welcome a brand new month, although I cannot believe how fast the summer is whisking past us. There are so many amazing things just waiting for us to do this summer, and we still have plently of time to get it all done.

I took a long walk outside today to think & stretch my legs. I always throw on my sneakers & head out for a walk whenever I need some alone time to think. It helps me deal with stress & anxiety. I was thinking about how the beginning of each month is sort of like a blank canvas. You can start over because it's a new beginning and set new goals & resolutions for yourself. I came up with some for myself while doodling inside my pink Filofax today and thought it would be fabulous to share them with you.

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Resolutions for a Month of

Magical Positivity!

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Continue working through my blogging rut...I completely forgot how much I adore writing. I've even been writing in my journal during the day. I want to continue working through my rut & overcome my writers' block.

Get active & be more healthy...I started eating more healthily a few weeks ago, and I have already started to see results. I want to continue trying to be healthy & active.

Drink more water...because I often find myself dehydrated during the hottest months of the year.

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Little Resolutions

Sing in the shower, take my time & avoid being in a hurry, tweet some of my favorite quotes, use my Instax camera more often, go to the movies with my sister, organize my closet, try new hairstyles, make room for positivity & let go of negative thoughts, smile just because, stop trying to make everything perfect & embrace splendid imperfections, read 3 more books on my reading list, leave little post-its with words of encouragement in random places, and make more time for myself during the week.

What are your goals for July??

Lots of love & positive vibes,