ilove iphone

Never put a phone on your coat... especially a black coat... especially a black phone. It does not end well. I placed my phone on my coat only to forget about it, grab my coat, and have my phone land right on the touch screen. The screen no longer worked after and I needed to get a new phone, which wasn't a problem because I was up for an upgrade anyways. It was still expensive though, especially because I fell in love with the white iphone 4s. Unfortunately for me the phone wasn't available at the store and I had to wait for it to arrive by Fed-Ex.

I have to admit though, it's been totally worth the money. I love it, and I do not regret my decision. My favorite Apps have to be My Days, which documents your menstrual system and intimacies, Pinterest, iHeartRadio, Twitter/Facebook, and MyFitness Pal, which documents all the calories and fitness each day! Of course I have the Blogger App too. Any suggestions for more Apps would be great!

I bought cases from Amazon.com, because I refused to pay $25.00 for one; instead, I paid $10.00 for three cases, and $2.00 for six protective screens.

I recommend the iphone to anyone, at least for the time being...

This is one thing that I believe will keep me organized.

DIY: Mini Sports Clipboards

The day of the Superbowl I decided to make mini clipboards for all the men in my life - father, brother, and boyfriend. Both my father and brother are Giants fans so I knew that I was going to make them mini Giant's clipboards. For Sal though I had to make him a Packers clipboard. They were so simple to make, and great for the man who works and uses one often. Even if they don't use it, it's nice to hang up to support your team.

What You'll Need:

Mini Clipboard [mine is from Michael's]

Mod Podge

Scrapbook paper [cut to fit]

Clearcote Hi-Shine Glaze

optional - Cricut

Directions:

1. Cut the scrapbook paper to fit the clipboard. Apply Mod Podge to the clipboard, and place scrapbook paper on to the clipboard. Smooth out and wait till it dries, about 15 minutes. Apply a coat of Mod Podge on top of the scrapbook paper, and let dry, again another 15 minutes. 

2. Print out sports logos and cut. I used regular copier paper, but I don't suggest using copier paper, try and use scrapbook paper or card stock instead. Cut out strip of paper of the second color and put on top or even on the bottom of the clipboard. 

3. Apply Mod Podge over and let dry. Spray with Clearcote Hi-Shine Glaze for extra shine. 

Make It Last

In honor of Valentine's Day this year, I've decided to post 10 ways to make your relationship last, if you want to that is. Four years in and sparks still fly between my boyfriend and I; it's honestly amazing, and I feel as if I've figured out how to make a relationship blossom and progress. Though I wouldn't call myself an expert at relationships, I'd say I've gained a great deal of knowledge having been in one and being surrounded by other relationships, some that worked and some that didn't.

How To Make a Relationship Last:

1. Always kiss him like it's your first and your last time. - Because what if it is? You never know what's going to happen and if you want that breathless kiss like you had during your first kiss, you have to feel like it is - have him hold your head with his hands or wrap his arms around you - and if he doesn't ASK HIM TO. He'll learn that that's what you love and he'll do it more often.

2. Be unpredictable. - Take a trip, kiss him randomly, surprise him with cookies on Valentine's Day [yup I just did this - for my boyfriend and his coworkers that couldn't spend Valentine's Day with those they love]. Don't be nervous or worried that he won't like what you want to do, just do it. It'll be fun and spontaneous to do something randomly! Go on vacation one weekend, even if it's just down the shore!

3. Appreciate the time spent together. - This is especially true for couples who don't get to spend much time together. I know it's  horrible to not spend time with the one you love every day, but when you do spend time together, don't spend it complaining or being angry that you don't spend more time together - just take each moment together and hold is tight, enjoying it while it lasts. I would always get angry at my boyfriend for not seeing him as much as I wanted to, that I was ruining the time that we were spending together - we now only see each other on the weekend and it's still amazing.

4. Laugh Often. - If you can't laugh with each other, then I suggest you find a new significant other. Laughter is seriously the best medicine, making the relationship healthier just with a giggle. We are always making fun of each other, playfully of course, and making jokes to make each other laugh. I love when he laughs and I wouldn't trade that sound for the world. It's seriously such an integral part of a relationship, almost the most important.

5. Date Nights [almost every week]. - No matter what, you and your loved one need to make time to just be with each other. Even if it's a picnic in the living room, spend time together. Date nights don't mean go out and spend money on extravagant dinners. Do something different - rock climb, see a movie, or grab sandwiches and head to the beach to watch the sunset [it's honestly amazing]. This can happen, and when it does don't talk about life stressors, just enjoy each other and talk positively!

6. Try new things together. - Whether it's food, attending events, or experiences. Over the summer my boyfriend and I went to many country concerts together, experiencing tailgating and all, and I must admit it was extremely fun. We even made a bucket list of all things we want to do together - things ranging from skydiving to going on a cruise. If you try new things with your significant other, things can never get boring, even if it's a new restaurant down the street!

7. Communicate. - I don't think I can say this enough. It's so important to communicate. I've seen so many relationships end because the two individuals never communicated. I would always hear why my friend was mad at her boyfriend, but when I asked if he knew how she felt, they'd always reply no. Well if he doesn't know how you feel, then you're obviously not communicating with him and telling him how you truly feel. I always tell Sal how I feel, whether it's good or bad - and we're very open with each other, which is why I think our relationship has grown so strong.

8. Trust. - Without trust, there is no relationship. None. Nothing. Niente. It's impossible to have a healthy relationship if there is no trust, and I'll be the first to admit there have been times when I haven't trusted Sal, but with communication we have been able to work together and get through it. You must trust someone with all of your heart in order for things to work out - and if they've lied to you, cheated, or let you down in the past, they might do it again, but you need to trust that they won't or let them go.

9. Argue/Disagree. - Not physically of course, just verbally. It's important, I think to disagree. If you agreed all the time, it'd be pretty boring, and way too easy going of a relationship. It's like you'd be dating yourself. If one disagrees, you learn more about the other person, and you learn how to compromise with another individual.

10. Love with ALL of your heart.


Anything I missed? Let me know, I'd love to hear more ideas on how to make a relationship work!

This Valentine's Day was spent interning and enjoying dinner with my family. Sal had to work the night shift, so we won't be going out until Saturday, exchanging small gifts and spending the night together. I'm excited for it, but I'm glad I had the chance to bake him cookies tonight and deliver them to his work, to share with his coworkers who weren't going to get the chance to spend the night with their loved ones either.

Treat your loved one, whoever it may be, as if it's Valentine's Day every day!

I love you babe - Always.

Staying Fit and Fresh

Many people I know always ask me how I stay so skinny, and though I don't think I'm the twig I used to be, I still know I'm a healthy weight. I'm always eating healthy, though I do have a sweet tooth, so I do find myself eating from an ice cream carton every now and then - but hey it never hurt anyone to pig out every once and awhile right? Like right now, I'm eating Valentine's Day cookies that my mom just made me!

Prior to starting my internship I began working out and eating healthier. Though I didn't document everything I ate, I made sure I ate three meals a day, with a few healthy snack in between. I also make sure I carry my Brita Water Bottle every where I go, ensuring that I drink plenty of water. I also made sure I weighed myself once a week, every monday morning - since it's better to weigh yourself in the morning rather than at night after you just ate. 

Workout Plan - I went on the Treadclimber in my basement every day, walking for 1 mile, which took me about 20 minutes. It helps when you have a great playlist to listen to. I prefer listening to IHeartRadio on my Iphone, blasting country music. I also started to work out specifically on my abs & legs/butt one day and the next on my abs and arms. I took workouts from Dalis Connell, Teen Mom's Ryan Edward's girlfriend, who is not only a model, but also a physical therapy and personal training major at Tennessee Tech University. Her workouts are seriously amazing, especially for those of you who don't have money or time to go to the gym - try these workouts out! She even includes tips on how to eat healthier and how to do certain movements in the workout. 

Here's the Ab Workout - 

75 regular crunches
25 crunches with legs to one side
25 crunches with legs to the other side
25 bicycles
& 50 flutters.

Butt & Leg Workout - 

20 Air Squats
15 Lunges
Fast Leg Mountain Climber for 30 seconds

& repeat that 3 times!

Mountain climbers are when both hands and feet are on the ground, butt up, and kick your feet up one at a time (kind of like running in place with both hands and feet on the ground) as fast as you can! If it's not tiring and doesn't hurt, you're not doing it right!

Other quick at home workouts for your butt:

This is silly, but BURNS. TRUST ME.

Get on both hands and knees.. and lift your leg up like you're a dog peeing on a fire hydrant.
Repeat that action 25 times with both legs.
After you do both legs, do that action, but when your leg is up in the air, KICK IT OUT.
Repeat that 25 times on both legs.

Do both of those, 25 on each leg.. 3 sets!

Arm Workout - 

5 Pushups
8 Dips
15 Dumbbell Curls (instead of dumbbells, use waterbottles!) Repeat this circuit 3 times!

If this is too easy for you, up the reps! 

If you don't feel the burn from these workouts, you've either been working out for awhile, or you're not doing it right! The first week I did this I went from 118.8lbs to 115.8 lbs. I lost three pounds in one week just by going on the treadclimber everyday, working out my abs, and working out my legs/butt and arms every other day. I'm not doing this to lose weight though, I want to tone up, and look food for the summer. 

However, since my internship I haven't been able to work out like I've done during the first week. I don't have the energy, however, I always try and do the ab workout, because that's the part of my body that I am most worried about in a bikini! 

Today I weigh 116.8lbs, probably because I was sick on Friday - but that's besides the point. I'm not here to talk about my weight, just to say that it's possible to workout, stay in shape, and eat healthy! 

Try it - you won't regret it. I'm hoping to have more time soon to continue my workout and get ready for the summer. 

Heaven is for Real: Book Review

I first came upon the book Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent on Pinterest. I clicked to find out more about the book and became instantly hooked. So I ended up putting it on my Christmas List, and luckily enough for me, my brother bought it for me! I was thrilled and couldn't wait to start it. I finished the book in less than 24 hours. It was a quick read, but a powerful one indeed. Not only does it put life in perspective, it also puts dying right out in the open for all to see, even if you may not want to. Upon reading the first couple of chapters when Colton is sick and the parents are worried, I can't help but wonder what his hospitalization would have been like if a Child Life Specialist was there to help normalize the experience and help his family through it. Though the power of prayer seemed to help, I think extra support could have been beneficial.

Synopsis from Barnes & Noble:

A young boy emerges from life-saving surgery with remarkable stories of his visit to heaven.

Heaven Is for Real is the true story of the four-year old son of a small town Nebraska pastor who during emergency surgery slips from consciousness and enters heaven. He survives and begins talking about being able to look down and see the doctor operating and his dad praying in the waiting room. The family didn't know what to believe but soon the evidence was clear.

Colton said he met his miscarried sister, whom no one had told him about, and his great grandfather who died 30 years before Colton was born, then shared impossible-to-know details about each. He describes the horse that only Jesus could ride, about how "reaaally big" God and his chair are, and how the Holy Spirit "shoots down power" from heaven to help us.

Told by the father, but often in Colton's own words, the disarmingly simple message is heaven is a real place, Jesus really loves children, and be ready, there is a coming last battle. 

My Review:

This book had me hooked from the first chapter. A little boy who, in surgery, dies and visits heaven, only to come back and tell his parents things that they had never told him! It's remarkable really, and though some people won't believe it, I wholeheartedly think it's true. I know that children have huge imaginations, but there are some things that you can't just make up. Colton knew exactly where his parents were and what they were doing when he was under anesthesia getting surgery. I mean that's not something his parents would have told him right after he woke up. That and the many things listed in the synopsis made me believe. It's okay if you don't believe it though, I think it really depends on where you are in your life and your attitude while reading this life-changing book. 

God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and even Satan are among the individuals that Colton meets in Heaven, a place filled with spectacular colors and lost loved ones. The part that really blew me away began when Colton described what Jesus looked like in Heaven. Every time his parents saw a picture of Jesus in a book or online, they would ask him if this one was Jesus, and Colton would quickly say no and come up with something that was different about him, until finally he saw a painting a little girl had done, a little girl who had said she met Jesus as well. The book even includes the painting, and it is amazingly beautiful. The only thing that bothered me was the Final Battle, which ends up destroying the world... a bit scary if you ask me. 

Seeing as how Colton met loved ones who had passed away, it makes you think there is someone greater than us looking down on us and guiding us... that our loved ones are safe, and that we will see them again someday. It's a powerful read, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a quick read, with a deep meaning, or if you're in a sad place in your life - this book has a way of making you think that in the end, everything is going to be alright. 

My Rating: 5 Stars