Floppy hats and all that...

Summer is almost over!  I can hardly believe it!  Here's to wearing floppy hats and enjoying the summer!

Here's where it came from:  Shirt: $1 Thrifted!  Pants: Ross Boots: Ross Hat: $2 at Walmart

Perfectly Paisley

I haven't done an outfit in way too long!  It's hard spending money on clothes when you don't have much and you are trying to save!  So I hope I can inspire you by sharing some of the cheapest outfits!!! It is rare that I spend much money on a piece of clothing.  

Thrift stores are my favorite! Most things are absolutely ugly or tattered, but once in a while you can come across something that is awesome! 

Stores like Ross, TJ Maxx, and Burlington are also awesome for finding great deals!  

Here's where it came from:  Shirt: Thrifted! Pants: Target $7 Shoes: Ross

Turn it into an evening outfit by adding some jewelry, throw the hair up in a side bun, make the lips a little more pink, and switch to some simple heels.

Finding Myself in "The Fix"

As you may know, I have just completed the BEACHBODY 21 Day Fix.  In an effort to be a little healthier, my sister in law and I decided to start off by doing "The Fix."  I am so glad I did it with her because I don't think I would have done it on my own.

As a whole I am pretty happy with the fix.  The workouts were my favorite part.  I didn't know how sweaty and tired I  could get just by working out in my living room!  The nutrition plan was not my favorite part.  I have never eaten quite so much meat, eggs, and vegetables.  I will admit that I needed to add on extra food on days when I was just too hungry!  (Still sticking to items in the nutrition plan).

I kept seeing pictures and results on instagram or pinterest of people who lost X amount of weight or had incredible before and after photos.  The first week of the fix I lost about 5 pounds which I thought was pretty incredible.  But by the end, I had pretty much gained it back.  So, no miraculous results for me.  However, I found that I had more energy during the day and I was definitely getting stronger from the work outs.

So, what did I gain from doing the fix?

I was never meant to be-and will never be a size 0, and that is JUST FINE WITH ME! But, I do have a better sense of how much I should be eating and what foods I should be eating more of and less of.  That is something that I learned and will try to be better about, for sure! Also, I now have awesome 30 minute home work outs which I hope to keep doing!

You can call it a failure, a success, or whatever you want.  As for me, I'm just perfectly content!

An Awful Blogger

I'm an awful blogger... I have been wanting to post a few things lately but time is slipping away so fast!  I promise I will do a better update soon and hopefully a few new outfits too...if I can get Rodrigo out to take some photos!  This will have to do for now.  Here's a couple pictures of the last couple months.  

A few Date Nights

Disc Golf/Park Date

Mini Golf Date

4th of July

At the beach

We live in the beautiful place

Biking to the beach

A mountain hike/run

A quick trip to Utah

Hanging with the nephews

Ensign Peak

Wedding!

Rod's first real mountain biking experience

Mom's Birthday!

Ordinary...

Here's a couple recent pictures.  Not a lot has been going on in the last couple months, just ordinary life.  But isn't every day life the best?

What Valentines Day Means To Me

I've thought more about this Valentines Day perhaps more than any other.  Maybe it is because I have heard some say they think Valentines Day is all about making money or maybe it is because of my partially reluctant husband in celebrating this somewhat controversial holiday.  In any case, it has made me think about what  Valentines Day means to me.  

A day of gratitude: it is a day to be grateful for the love we share for each other.  This year I am grateful for a loving husband and a loving family.  Things of which not all people have, I feel blessed to be one of the lucky ones.  

I have always been one who believes the love of a child is the greatest kind of love.  I am so grateful to have 10 wonderful toddlers in my class who love me and who I love so so much! I have the greatest job to be able to witness so much love all day long. I am also so lucky for having a co teacher who is amazing, a wonderful friend, and who loves my kids as much as I do. 

A day of simple reminders: it is a day to do something simple for the ones you love.  It is so easy to get into the routine of day to day activities and demands.  It is easy to forget to do simple things to make someone else happy.  Valentines day is the perfect reminder that throughout the year we need to pay attention to those we love and make them matter most. 

A day of celebration: it is a day to be happy.  Be happy with what you are given.  Share the joy you have with others.  Valentines day reminds us that we are alive in the world, with 7 billion other people.  Make every day special.  Smile, be happy, and love with all your heart.

HAVE A HAPPY VALENTINES DAY! 

One Year Down

My dear friend JaNae took these pictures for us for our one year anniversary.  Thank you JaNae!

My thoughts on year one:
-Yes, it was difficult.  Very difficult at times,  but it was also the best year of my life.
-I love having my best friend with me all day, every day.
-Life is more exciting when you share simple joys with someone.
-Sharing everything is so much better than doing everything on your own.
-I knew what I was getting into as far as marriage goes, but not as far as my husband goes.  I am still learning new things about him all the time.
-Change is permanent, but it is good!
-Sometimes the best days are in your pajamas, in your living room, relaxing.
-Be selfless, respectful, happy, supportive, honest.
-Sometimes life is crazy and you don't get to do anything exciting on your first anniversary, but it doesn't really matter because you have a million more to make up for it. (Also you can celebrate on Valentines Day, Birthdays, or really, ANY DAY YOU WANT!)
-God has blessed me with an amazing husband! We have witnessed miracles and so many blessings this last year.  I am so grateful for my Heavenly Father and his graciousness.

I have the most awful stance, but JaNae can make any picture look awesome.