Wear Your Confidence

2 Week Notice

2011-04-20T11:38:00.000-07:00

Hiii everyone!

Betcha thought I had given up on blogging again, huh?

Not so!

I have had a crazy couple of weeks which left me with limited blogging time.

Forgive me?

"I'm sorrry!"

Thanks, I knew you would. :)

So, what has been going on the past couple of weeks?

I'm so glad you asked!

Besides having the past few weekends full of fundraisers and other youth related activities, a couple of big changes have been in the works.

Time for Change

For the past year and a half I have been working for a local insurance company as a Customer Service Representative. While I enjoy my job, it's flexibility and the fact that it is only 2 minutes away from where I live, it was never something I planned to make a career out of.

A couple of weeks ago I took on a second job helping my sister as a nanny to four adorable children. She started the job a little over two years ago when there were only two of them (girl cousins), and last year both girls became BIG sisters! While the new babies were still infants they naturally spent most of the time with their mom's, but since both babies recently celebrated their first birthdays and are walking, things can get a bit crazy.

"Why is this happening?!"

I really enjoy hanging out with the kiddos, and there is never a dull moment!

As if starting a new part-time job (on top of working my current job, going to school, and fulfilling church related duties) isn't enough craziness, there's more. Remember when I said that insurance is not really my lifetime career goal? Well, teaching is. One of the reasons I was so thrilled to begin working with my sister was because I would be able to get back to doing something I absolutely LOVE: working with kids.

A couple of months ago I was chatting with a close friend, who is a teacher, and she suggested that I start applying for Aide positions within our local school districts to "get my foot in the door". I took this advice to heart and began applying for various positions whenever one would come up. I wasn't actively searching for a new job, but figured when the time was right, it would just happen.

Well, it happened.

Last Thursday I interviewed for a part time Special Education Teacher's Aide position, and was offered the job the very next day. I was ecstatic to say the least!

I will begin working the first week of May since school is out for Spring Break right now, then will be off work through the summer, starting back in the Fall when the new school year begins. A few weeks ago this would have stressed me to the max because I obviously have to quit my current job at the insurance company, leaving me with no job at all through the summer. But since I started working with my sister, I will continue as a part time nanny through the summer, so I will not be unemployed!

The timing of it all has been seriously, impeccable. God. never. fails.

I feel like I am finally on the way to my long term career goal of teaching, and I am thrilled!

Since I will be in a transition phase over the next few weeks, please bare with me! I will continue blogging, but I'm not sure what my schedule will be. I'll definitely be keeping you posted on how things are going with the new job! :-)

xoxo

Discuss

-Any tips for someone starting a new job?

Do as I say, not as I do!

2011-04-04T15:24:00.000-07:00

Hello, lovelies! Hope you all had a fantastic weekend!

Mine looked a little like this:


"Straw-ba-ba-ba-ba-berry!"

Katrina could hardly wait to dig into this!

Carrot Cake FroYo? Yes, please!

Um, ya.

To say I overdid it in the sweets department would be the understatement of the year...it was definitely a "Do as I say, not as I do" kind of weekend.

Thank God for Mondays!

Weekly Goals
I typically set a few health/fitness related goals at the beginning of each week to keep me on track, so I thought I'd share this week's goals with all of you.

1. Obviously I need to work on my self control this week! (See above pics if you can't see why).

2. I would like to incorporate more vegetables into each meal. I have NO problem including loads of fresh fruit in my diet, but vegetables are sometimes a little more difficult.

3. Lastly, I want complete five sessions of at least 30 minutes of cardio. I typically jog or workout on the Precor twice a week, which is OK but not great. I really need to step it up this week!

I'll let you know next week whether or not I accomplished each goal.

If I can maintain the motivation I'm feeling today, things are lookin' pretty good!

xoxo

Discuss

-Do you set weekly goals? If so, feel free to share some of them!

No Pudge, No Problem!

2011-04-02T11:13:00.000-07:00

Good morning guys!

I hope you all had a great April Fools Day and weren't pranked too badly. Unfortunately for me I'm pretty much always the pranked and never the prankster. Some may say it's because of my extreme gullibility, but really I just act fooled to make them feel good.

We'll stick with that theory here at WYC, mmkay? ;o)

This post will be short and sweet because I have a fun and busy Saturday to get to!

And when I say sweet I'm not kidding, trust me.

Remember Thursday when I told you I was hosting a Gold Canyon party and was planning to make Weight Watcher friendly desserts and appetizers? Well I did it, and I think it was a pretty big success!

The spread

I didn't get to take any pictures once the party got started (I was too busy sticking my nose is dozens of delicious smelling candles...and coffee beans, of course!) which is why everything is covered here.

Point Values

I used this recipe from Gina's blog for the Taco Dip, served with baked tortilla chips. The dip was only 2 points per serving, and the chips 3 points. Score!

Katrina asked for something fruity, so being the loving sister I am (!!), I went back to Gina and found her recipe for Fruit Kabobs with a low-fat Fruit Dip that was super light and a great accent to the strawberries, pineapple and grapes. The fruit was zero points, of course, and the dip was only 1 point per serving.

And now for the most incredible recipe I have encountered in this lifetime so far: No Pudge! Marshmallow Graham Treats! Holy delicious, you must try these!

No Pudge! Marshmallow Graham Treats
Makes 16 serving. 3 points each.

1 box Fat-free brownie mix (I used Betty Crocker's)
2/3 cup Non-fat Vanilla Yogurt
2 cups Mini Marshmallows
2 Graham Crackers, crushed
2 Tbsp Chocolate Syrup (I used Hershey's Sugar Free Chocolate Syrup)

Prepare brownies as instructed on the box, add yogurt and bake.

Once they are finished baking, spread marshmallows evenly across the top and bake again at 350 degrees, until slightly browned. (The original recipe says 2 to 4 minutes but mine took about 7.)

Let the brownies cool for a few minutes, then add crushed graham crackers and chocolate syrup.

"I'll take two, please!"

It's that simple! Adding the yogurt gave the brownies a super moist texture, and they are not small by any means. This picture does not do these babies justice!

Ah-ma-zing!

Well, I'm off to get ready for Big Hat Day in Clovis!

I'm thinking maybe this one?

Hope you all get to enjoy some sunshine this beautiful Saturday!

xoxo

Discuss

What's your favorite "diet" dessert recipe?

"Ba-ba-ga-nooosh"

2011-03-31T18:31:00.000-07:00

Wow, this day has gone by FAST! I hope everyone else has had a fantastic Thursday!

If you haven't already heard, I'm back in the blogging business!

Today's Eats

(I apologize in advance for the less that professional pictures. I'm having issues with my camera and had to use my iPhone for the pics below!)

Today's breakfast was my version of an Egg McMuffin, along with an orange the size of my fist!

6 point+ Breakfast

I actually ended up saving the orange since I was in a hurry to get to class and didn't want to risk getting a ticket for "peeling and driving". Trust me, if it was possible to be pulled over for such a thing, it'd happen to me first!

For lunch I planned to pick up something for my sister and I since she was working today. I had a buy-one-get-one coupon for The Pita Pit which we both LOVE so we were happy campers. That is, after she called me ~~forty-seven~~ a few times claiming she would DIE if she wasn't fed immediately.

Don't worry sis, I gotcha covered!

10 point+

I enjoyed my favorite Babaganoush pita loaded with tons of fresh veggies. The fact that it's my favorite has ~~everything~~ absolutely nothing to do with how cool saying "ba-ba-ga-nooosh" sounds!

Katrina had a Chicken Florentine pita that was not pictured because she practically swallowed it whole! That's okay, I won't judge you.

Since I hadn't blogged yet for the day I decided to visit Panera Bread for dinner and blogging. They have this awesome feature on their website that allows you to create a meal and see all of the nutritional information so I was able to calculate points before ordering. Win!

Salad: 5 point+, Sandwich: 8 point+
Total: 13 point+

After much deliberation, I decided to take advantage of their "You Pick 2" option and chose the Greek salad and Mediterranean Veggie sandwich with an apple on the side. Yummy!

The combination of my meals for today come to a Point+ value of 28. My daily allowance is 29, so I am right on track.

Typically I eat most meals at home (I don't remember the last time I had this much "fast-food" in one day!), but today was sort of busy and sometimes you just gotta go with the flow.

One of the awesome things about the Weight Watchers program is that you CAN eat out and still stick with the plan. My meals today are proof!

Weekly Weigh In

Thursday is usually the day that I go to my normal Weight Watchers meeting and weigh-in. I didn't have time to stay for a meeting today (shame on me!), but was able to run in and step on a scale.

Being that I'm now blogging about my WW journey I would love to be able to come here and announce some huge weight loss, but I actually weighed the same as last week. I'll admit I was a bit disappointed at first, but then I remembered that not losing is better than gaining, and I did have kind of an off weekend (lots of on-the-go eating) so it's OK. I will just do better this week!

Well that's all I've got for today, folks!

I am off to the gym to get in a rockin' cardio sesh, then home to get things ready for a Gold Canyon party I'm hosting tomorrow evening. I plan to prepare all Weight Watcher friendly appetizers and desserts, so I'll let you know how it goes!

Enjoy your evening!

Discuss

-How do you handle disappointment at the scale?

-What are some ways you motivate yourself to do better the next week?

I'm Back!

2011-03-30T16:32:00.000-07:00

I have finally made a decision. Not that anyone knew there was a decision to be made, but that's besides the point! After much deliberation, I have decided to rejoin the blogging world. After all, it would be a shame to let such a rockin' blog name go to waste, right? ;-)

I've been tossing the idea around since the beginning of the year, but ended up talking myself out of it every time. You see, if I don't know that I will be 100% committed to something, I don't want to even attempt it. That's right everyone, I have commitment issues. Ha.

Anyway, I finally decided to give it a shot so...here I am!

My Plans for the Blog

Originally this blog started out as something my sister and I would use to promote positive self-image, confidence, etc., and I still want to do that, but with a bit of a twist.

"Change is a comin'!"

See, I joined Weight Watchers a little over a month ago and am constantly looking for ways to keep myself accountable to the plan. I follow several healthy living blogs, and reading about other peoples success and ideas really has helped keep me on track. So with that in mind, I have decided to use WYC as a place to share various day to day eats and activities...basically holding myself accountable to all of YOU!

Great idea, huh?

I'm sure as I get into a blogging routine I will discuss various other topics but we'll just play it by ear, mmkay? :-)

I'm off to finish up some work stuff, but check back tomorrow for the beginning of a new chapter here at WYC!

xoxo

Discuss:

Most of the blogs I follow leave a thought provoking question for readers to respond to at the end of each post, which I love and want to start doing here. I know it will probably be a while before I have any "readers" (if ever!), but let's just be optimistic!

Here goes:

- Fellow bloggers: What's one piece of advice you would give to someone just starting out in the blog world (ahem, me!)?
- How do you hold yourself accountable to a new diet/workout routine/hobby?

Another Giveaway!

2011-02-02T08:48:00.000-08:00

Hello bloggy world!

Unfortunately, it seems that the only time I use this blog is to enter giveaways, but hey, it works!

Which leads me to this:

Evy's Tree is previewing their Spring 2011 collection this week, and you know what that means: Giveaways. That's right people, a whole week full of them!

Hop on over to the Evy's Tree blog to check out the new collection and enter to win big!

Have a lovely day!

xoxo

Evy's Tree Giveaway!

2010-12-22T10:57:00.000-08:00

Hello out there!

Although I do not use this blog often, this giveaway is definitely blog-worthy. Evy's Tree makes the most adorable women, men, and children hoodies out there! Check out this link to enter to win one of these:

Wear your confidence!

xoxo

Thinking Pos-I-Tively!

2010-06-18T14:21:00.000-07:00

It has been a LONG time since I've posted, but today is an extremely slow day at work and I thought this Youtube clip went along well with the "Wear Your Confidence" message. Sometimes you just have to look yourself in the mirror and remember all the good things in life, big and small!

Wear Your Confidence! xoxo

There Can Never Be A More Beautiful You

2009-08-14T09:03:00.000-07:00

Wear Your Confidence :o)

The Last Lecture

2009-03-24T13:51:00.000-07:00

When you see yourself doing something badly and nobody’s bothering to tell you anymore, that’s a very bad place to be. Your critics are your ones telling you they still love you and care. Randy Pausch

A few days ago we had no idea who Randy Pausch was. We were visiting a good friend of ours on Sunday and she had us watch a Barbara Walters interview on Youtube and said it would change our lives. She was absolutely right! By the end of the interview we both sat in tears because this man’s outlook on life was just so incredible and inspiring.

Randy Pausch, who was a professor at Carnegie Mellon University, was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer in September of 2006 at the age of 45. Sadly, he passed away on July 25, 2008 but he did not go without leaving a legacy for his wife and three young children.

It is a tradition at CMU that at the end of a professor’s career they give a “last lecture” which is a time for former students and colleagues to hear the professor speak for the last time. Nobody thought the lecture would be viewed by over 6 million people on Youtube!

We are posting the lecture below and would hope that anyone and everyone would take time to watch. There are many lessons to be learned from it!

Here are just a few points that stood out as we watched:

• We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.

• Brick walls are there for a reason: they let us prove how badly we want things.

• Tell the Truth!

• Focus on others…not yourself!

• Don’t complain, just work harder.

• Find the best in everyone…no matter how long it takes!

• Are you a Tigger or an Eeyore?

The interview with Barbara Walters (highly recommend watching it as well!) gives a little more insight into Randy’s family and how they have dealt with his illness, but we didn’t want to overwhelm this post with too many Youtube clips as it will take some time to watch this one!

2009-03-12T16:52:00.000-07:00

"Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. Look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true. Think only of the best, work only for the best, and expect only the best. Forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future. Give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others. Live in the faith that the whole world is on your side so long as you are true to the best that is in you!"

-Christian D. Larson

Scicon 2009

2009-03-02T23:45:00.000-08:00

Amazing. Simply Amazing. We just got back from Scicon this Sunday and words cannot describe the awesome things God did on that mountain! Our legs are sore, we're exhausted and oh SO thankful for our clean shower, but God did GREAT things!! It was truly a life changing weekend!

Bro. Saregent preached an awesome message on Sunday morning titled "Don't Die in Place". He spoke about how so many times we as Christians make mistakes and think that we might as well lay down and "die" (spiritually speaking) in that place. We loose motivation to fight towards the calling God really has on our lives because we are hung up on our failures in the past.

One quote from the message that really got our attention was this: "You can't get stuck between your past and your promise". Too many times we make mistakes and dwell on them, never getting past what we "could have done" or "should have done" and we miss the promise. God has a divine will for each of our lives, all we have to do is be willing to give everything to Him, INCLUDING our past! He wants so badly to turn the ugly failures of life into beautiful testimonies of His grace and mercy!

So, now we are home refreshed and revitalized! The past is on the mountain and we are moving forward to the promise! God is making Himself more and more real to us everyday in our home, church and lives. We serve a limitless God and there is NO telling what He is going to do next!!!

It was also really good to spend time with friends we don't get to see very often and to make a few new ones! This was by far the GREATEST camp yet and we can't wait to see what God is going in the weeks, months and years to come!!!

Enjoy the pics!!

God, don't stop now!

2009-02-27T10:24:00.000-08:00

"Thank you! Everything in me says "Thank you!" Angels listen as I sing my thanks.
I kneel in worship facing your holy temple and say it again: "Thank you!" Thank you for your love, thank you for your faithfulness; Most holy is your name, most holy is your Word. The moment I called out, you stepped in; you made my life large with strength.
When they hear what you have to say, God, all earth's kings will say "Thank you." They'll sing of what you've done: "How great the glory of God!" And here's why: God, high above, sees far below; no matter the distance, he knows everything about us.
When I walk into the thick of trouble, keep me alive in the angry turmoil. With one hand strike my foes, with your other hand save me. Finish what you started in me, God.Your love is eternal-don't quit on me now!" Psalm 138 (The Message)

Hello Everyone! Sorry for waiting so long to post, we've been SO busy!! This weekend we will be going to Scicon for a youth camp and we are so excited to meet new people and see what God is going to do! He has been doing AMAZING things in our church and lives and our prayer today is God, please don't stop now!!

Have a great weekend! We will post pics from camp when we get home!!

Remember....Wear your confidence! :o)

Happy Birthday Nannette!!! <3

2009-02-18T22:29:00.000-08:00

It's Nann's birthday!!! She is no longer a teenager :-( She is the greatest sister EVER!! I have learned SO much from her. So today is a day ALL about her. (which I am sure she is loving) haha Tonight we plan to go to Olive Garden and celebrate with some friends and family. Nann, this is going to be your BEST year ever!! You have grown SOO much in the past 6 months and continue to amaze us. You deserve the best in everything you do. I love your guts!!!
-<3 Trina

Happy, Happy Birthday to You - Walt Disney

~Freckles~

2009-02-18T22:21:00.000-08:00

--Wear.your.confidence. <3 <3 <3

Things We LOVE....

2009-02-12T20:28:00.000-08:00

Jamba Juice. Juicy Couture. Jesus Culture. Israel & New Breed. PINK Jammies. Bath & Body Works. Lip-gloss. Working out. Tanning. Shopping. Pedicures. Uggs. Betsyville. Texting. Facebook. Myspace. Kissing Dating Goodbye. Music. Ijoy Chair. Camping. Staying in Hotels. **Summer** Bowling. Forever 21---NANN. Buckle---TRINA. Taking Pictures. Japanese Kitchen. Sushi-Mostly Nann. Kids. The Beach. San Francisco. KFC Cookies. Inspirational Blogs. Quotes and Icons. Extreme Home Makeover—“MOVE THAT BUS!!!” Candles. Organic Stuff. Being Creative. Naps. Shoes. Church Events. Driving. Smiling. Laughing. Free People. Urban Outfitters. Redecorating. Watching People. Celebrity Baby Names. Cyber Stalking LOL jk. TWILIGHT. Over-Analyzing. Being Sarcastic. Being Honest. Randomness. Sarah Palin 2012 babayy!! Family Approved Movies  Vacations. Disneyland. Friennnds. The Fuel Station. Eyelash Curlers. Chocolate Covered Strawberries. Chocolate Covered Apples. Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. Anthropologie. Kenzie. Leopard Print. LIFE.

Happy Valentines Day!!!

LOVE. LOVE. LOVE.

Quote of the Week....

2009-02-04T23:05:00.000-08:00

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.
For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.
For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.
For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day.
For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.
People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed and redeemed; never throw out anyone.
Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of each of your arms. As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.
The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.
The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mode, but the true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul.It is the caring that she lovingly gives the passion that she shows.
The beauty of a woman grows with the passing years.
If you share this with another woman, something good will happen -- you will boost another woman's self esteem, and she will know that you care about her."
Audrey Hepburn

Have a Laugh!

2009-02-03T21:34:00.000-08:00

Laughter is the greatest medicine. It's true! Today we looked up some of the benefits of laughing. It's amazing how something so simple can do so much!

1. Laughter gives your body a workout! It strengthens the abdominal muscles, helps your respiratory system and burns calories.

2. It's a pain killer. Laughing releases endorphins that help relieve pain!

3. Decreases stress! Having a tough day? Find something funny to read or watch...it'll help, I promise!

4. Laughter promotes the production of serotonin which is a natural anti-depressant! People with a good sense of humor rarely get depressed!

5. Helps you get a good night's sleep. Stress and anxiety are some of the main factors of sleep problems. Having a hearty laugh before bed can reduce stress and help you relax!

There are so many more great things about laughing, we just didn't have time to post them all!

Actually, what inspired this post was a video our Dad showed us the other night. We were reading a story that had us in tears, then we saw this! For some reason we found it pretty hysterical, especially being that moments before the tears were flowing! SO...if you haven't had a good laugh today (even if you have) ENJOY!!!

DAVID AFTER TO THE DENTIST!

A Friendly Reminder....

2009-02-02T23:06:00.000-08:00

We appreciate all those that take time out of their day to read our blog and enjoy the POSITIVE feedback! For those who wish to remain Anonymous and make comments that are irrelevant to the postings and, in our opinion, lacking in maturity and intelligence, please keep em' to yourself! :o)

The purpose of this blog is to promote happiness, simplicity and a positive outlook on life!

To all of you who have NO clue what we're talking about, we apologize for the small outburst of frustration. Life is full of grace builders! ;o)

....Wear your confidence!! <3

Life, Happiness and Caterpillars

2009-01-30T14:44:00.000-08:00

Here are a few thought provoking quotes I found today.

Enjoy!!!

<3

Singleness

2009-01-23T23:44:00.000-08:00

God gives us singleness-a season of our lives unmatched in its boundless opportunities for growth, learning and service. We find the real beauty in using our freedom to serve God with abandon.
-Joshua Harris

Often times singleness is viewed as merely the waiting period between the teenage years and marriage. Many people treat it as a curse and long for the day to be rid of the "single" title. While reading tonight, we found the above quote and it really stood out to us. We too have been guilty of hoping to get through the single years quickly, believing that nothing really great can be accomplished during this time. But we realize this isn't reality!

God has given us this time to experience and accomplish things that are meant specifically for this time in our lives! This is the time when we have the opportunity to give ourselves fully to God without the concerns of a boyfriend/husband consuming our thoughts and actions. It's a time to build an unshakable relationship with Him so that when the right guy DOES come along, he has to go through Him to reach us!

Now, this is not to say that during this time we are to avoid those of the opposite sex- not at all. It is great to develop healthy friendships with guys, and we plan to do that, but the focus will not be on finding the "perfect guy". We are learning to be content in ourselves and finding who WE are. When the right one comes along, we want it to be God's doing, not our own! And that's the best way for it to happen because when he orchestrates it, everything will fall into place!

So for now, we are going to serve God with reckless abandon as singles! We are going to have Girls Nights, meet new people and experience life! What a blessing singleness is!!

True Love<3

2009-01-19T22:39:00.000-08:00

True love isn't just expressed in passionately whispered words or an intimate kiss or an embrace; before two people are married, love is expressed in self-control, patience, even words left unsaid.
-Joshua Harris

Tonight we started reading I Kissed Dating Goodbye.. We began reading out of curiousity more than anything else, but just reading the first two chapters has opened our eyes to a whole new approach to dating (or NOT dating)! The book talks about how the main problem with the dating scene today is that we've disconnected romance and commitment. Our selfish desires get in the way of God's perfect plan for our lives. We are so thankful that God is merciful and chooses to rescue and forgive us in spite of our self-centeredness!! As Joshua Harris says so perfectly, "In light of the love He's given us, let's make purity and blamelessness our priority"!

We will keep you updated as we continue to read!!!

Girls Night Out!

2009-01-12T22:13:00.000-08:00

Happy Girls are the Prettiest

2009-01-07T23:16:00.000-08:00

The Name

2009-01-06T12:50:00.000-08:00

I’m sure you are all wondering how we chose our blog name. GREAT question!

It all started when we were about twelve or thirteen. At conventions we’d all be worried about our hair and how we looked, and our pastor’s wife (Sis Hill) would always encourage us that no matter how we felt, as long as we acted like it looked beautiful, everyone else would think so too!

Well…this way of thinking went a long way with us. Ever since then, whenever one of us is having an “ugly day” we just tell each other “Wear your confidence!” It may sound funny, and some may think it’s weird, but it works! Just hearing it makes me stand up a little straighter and put a smile on my face.

So next time you’re having one of those days, try it! Look at yourself in the mirror, smile and tell yourself to “Wear Your Confidence”, because when you believe you’re beautiful, others see it too!