Work It Out, Work It Out

"I work out..." 

No seriously, I work out, and I happen to get my blog inspiration while I work out. A few months ago I really hit the gym hard with a mind set of determination. I want to look the best I can on my wedding day but that's not the main reason I want to workout. 

The way I see it, is that God only gave me one body so I might as well start taking care of it the best I can! 

With all that said I've noticed some changes within my own body after working out 6 days a week for a few months straight and I wanted to share some helpful tips and workout plans that I've been putting to action.

1) Workout when you can, and for as long as you can.

Your workout schedule is your own. You cannot compare how long your at the gym to anyone else, and you cannot make your life fit into anyone else's schedule. Make your own schedule, and make it fun! 

2) Sleep.

Manage your sleep patters, and stick to it! If that means going to bed early in order to wake up at 5am do it! Trust me you won't regret it! 

3) It's Not Just About Working Out.

You can't just work out and then eat fast food every day. It's important to create a balance, eat right and exercise. You will notice your energy levels will be higher and you will feel better about yourself!

I'm so excited to share some more tips and workout plans that I've found helpful with you!

How often do you workout? Got any tips?

-Stephanie

The Ultimate List

I don't know about you but ever since my life started to have its own crazy schedule my Mom always told me to make a list.

Going to the grocery store? Make a list.

Keep forgetting your homework? Make a list.

Your house is messy? Make a list.

Can't find your first list? Make another list.

You get the point?

Because of this training I see lists everywhere. (it's like a sixth sense) I was studying my Bible the other night and I was reading through Proverbs 31.

The ultimate list.

So many times, we as women, get overwhelmed and intimidated with this chapter. Thoughts overcome us such as..,

"I cat do that"

"No woman can be all of that"

"I don't want to wake up early"

As I thought through this passage in a new light I saw this as a different kind of list, not the kind we check off and mark as completed. This list will never be completed but it's a daily reminder of what we can mirror in our own lives.

I am a Proverbs 31 Woman and so are YOU because by the grace of God every day we have a fresh start to look at this list and try again. Everyday we have a chance to strive to be better. We do not need to worry or think of what a Godly woman should be because we have already been given the blue print and I don't know about you but that's a huge relief! 

I pray today you rise up and take hold of this list, rather than being intimidated by it, and realize you can reflect this list within your crazy chaotic life! 

-Stephanie

The Big Day Update

Spring break is over! Did you have fun, what did you do?

I can tell you my spring break was the farthest thing from beach and swimsuit weather, it was more like a high of 14. 

Although I was home and it was bitter cold that didn't stop us from braving the cold. 

As soon as my plane landed on Saturday I hit the ground running. With wedding appointments almost every day there was not time for a "break."

Saturday:

Flew into Chicago and ate White Castles. (Region food, gotta love it) 

Rushed to our 3:30pm appointment to seek out decorations for the wedding and ceremony.

Ate pizza with family then tried on my Mom's wedding dress for fun.

Had a sleepover with my nine year old cousin ad watched the classic movie Clue. 

Sunday:

Went to church and heard my favorite speaker (my Dad)

David's Bridal appointment for junior bridesmaid and flower-girl dresses.

Monday:

Florist day

First appointment was amazing! 

Second appointment not so amazing.

Third appointment a nightmare.

After taking a lunch break went back and booked the first florist for the wedding! 

Tuesday:

Fat Tuesday! 

Visited grandmother and enjoyed packzi in honor of Fat Tuesday.

Finished up registering with my Mom.

Coffee with friends.

Wednesday:

Cake day

First appointment yummy.

Second appointment average.

Lunch break delicious.

Third appointment FABULOUS! Booked cake for reception.

Trip to the hospital with Mom and Dad for plating for radiation starting on Thursday.

Thursday:

Radiation appointment at the hospital for Mom.

Flower girl dress shopping with a successful ending! 

Friday:

Radiation appointment at the hospital for Mom.

Meeting with wedding coordinator to wrap up the week. 

Back to registering because it didn't update on line.

Saturday:

Finish packing and fly back to school.

As you can see my spring break was crazy, and I wouldn't have changed one thing about it. Now it's back to the grind of things!

Days Till The Wedding: 115

-Stephanie

What I'm Loving This Week

Hello my dear friends!

I feel as though I haven't been on here in forever, oh wait it has been forever!

Between midterms, and a spring break filled with nothing but wedding appointment after appointment my poor blog took to the back burner.

But with all the time spent away from my blog I thought up some really great posts so stay tuned!

Enough of my rambling, here are a few things I'm loving this week and I thought maybe you would care!  

Drink: Sweet Tea! (Every day, all day)

Website: Simply Clarke's blog!

Song: Human by Christina Perri.

School/Work Related Thing: Making a power point for my Literature class. (I know I'm a nerdy it's been duly noted)

Beauty Product: Naked 3 Pallet by Urban Decay.

Tech: Designing my own Valentine's Day tags.

 Favorite Workout of The Week: This arm workout. It was a pain to get through but so worth it! 

Guilty Pleasure: Watching Chuck on Netflix.. .

 Random: There's 47 days till I graduate and 121 days till I get married.

Purchase: XO Earrings from American Eagle.

What are you loving this week? Write a blog and link me to it so I can find something new to love!

 -Stephanie

DIY: Cards

I LOVE making cards,

My Pinterest board is growing with inspirations for handmade cards and I now want to quit college and make cards all day....

Alas, I feel as though no one will support me in this dream so I shall continue my schooling while making cards when I can.

I hope you become inspired by these cards!

-Stephanie

The Day Of Love

Hello there wonderful people of the internet, 

I hope this weekend someone showed you a little extra loving, whether it was a significant other or your BFF!

I was reminded by a fellow blogger on Valentines Day of 1st John 4:19 "We love because He first loved us." 

We don't need a holiday to show someone love, (although gifts are a nice perk) smile at someone today you never know what they may be going through.  

-Stephanie

DIY: You're My Favoite Book

Hello ladies!

Are you ready for Spring yet? I know I am! I've spent so many days in the house mainly because it's terribly cold out and I have no desire to go out. 

The up-side to long and cold winter days is it gives me time to make and create fun things.

Chris' birthday was this past week and I thought I would share with you what I did for part of his present!

You Will Need:

Paper

Fabric (I used burlap)

Needle & Thread

Pictures

First I cut out 5x5 squares of paper and fabric, I then sewed one square of paper onto one square of fabric making a pocket.

Once I sewed 10 pockets I glued a photograph to the side of paper that was pocketless.

If you want you can print the design I made for the cover!

After I finished all of my sewing and glueing I wrote a little letter/love note for each pocket.

Lastly I punched a whole in the corner of each page and tied them together with ribbon creating the perfect little book!

Homemade gifts are always my go to, and this one took a bit longer but it was worth it!

Stay warm folks!

-Stephanie