Special Friends Day 2012

For the third year in a row, I have volunteered for Special Friends Day at my college, even though I am now a graduate. While Special Friends Day of 2011 held many eye opening interactions with children with special needs, I feel as if I am more inspired and motivated by these children as each year passes. This year, my friend, Mel, who has volunteered with me for the past two years decided to join me once again! We were paired with an adolescent boy this year, instead of an adolescent girl, like we have had for the last two years. We were nervous, and weren't sure what to expect.

During the meeting, we received our paperwork, and noticed that there would be a male volunteer that would join us, and suddenly we felt better about bathroom trips and any other problems that could arise. When we got out of the meeting, we immediately called our special friend's mom, and had a great conversation with her about the day and what we could do to help her son have the best day ever! Mel and I went out to dinner afterwards to catch up and talk further about the upcoming Special Friends Day.

When the day came, we got our shirts to wear, and patiently waited for our special friend to arrive. My anxiety was high because I just wanted the day to start! When we finally did meet our Special Friend, I was more than excited to lead him around the gym and make it the best day ever. The theme this year was Candyland, so we immediately took a picture with the King of Candyland. Afterwards, we did everything from dancing, bouncing around in the ball pit, jumping in the bounce house, doing crafts, and eating lots of pizza, cotton candy, and popcorn! We were told to keep him away from the TV/movie room, so we made sure that he was moving and always smiling! When he didn't want to do something anymore, we moved on! The day ended rather quickly, too quickly if you ask me, and before we knew it our special friend was headed home with his cousin.

I immediately emailed our special friend's mom telling her what he did in detail, including his meet up with a girl from school, who might just have a little crush on him! His mom was so thankful, especially for the pictures that I included, because her son isn't able to talk much and tell her about his day, so she was grateful for the pictures and my detailed email. She said this year the day was run much better than last year and that it was much more organized. Her email made me smile, because even though I knew my special friend had a great time, it was great to see how much it meant to his mom, as well.

Volunteering is something I try to do as often as I can, because I am fortunate enough that I can volunteer, whether it's with Make-A-Wish, volunteering at the hospital, or days like Special Friends Day. I love interacting with children especially, not only because my career goal is to become a Child Life Specialist and it's great to get more experience, but because these children whether they are sick or have special needs, they're still children and they deserve all the laughs and smiles in the world too.

Mommy IQ & Meeting Rosie Pope

No I'm not a mommy, at least not for another few years, but when I had the chance to meet Rosie Pope,  London-born entrepreneur and Pregnant in Heels TV personality, I took it! Now this wasn't the first book signing I've been too, of course - I met Emily Giffin back in 2010 (wow, has it been that long?). I noticed that she was going to be at Bookends in a town quite close to where I live, so I decided to ask my friend (who's also finds Rosie Pope to be a huge inspiration)! She immediately said yes, and we scheduled it in our planners.

The signing started at 7pm, and we headed there at 6pm, hoping that we weren't going to be late or have to wait in long lines just to meet her. During the book signing there would be time for a Q&A, as well as giveaways! Fortunately for us, there weren't as many people there as I thought there was going to be, but that's probably because it was on a weeknight.

I was so excited to meet her that when she asked if anyone had any questions for her, I immediately raised my hand, especially when I saw how no one else was raising there hand. I had planned and prepped my question that day because I genuinely cared and wanted to know the answer. I started off with, "I'm not a mom, and probably won't be for a few years, but I am inspired by you and love your show Pregnant in Heels" and then proceeded to ask her if she had any advice for an aspiring baby planner/concierge. Most of you don't know that I've been looking into becoming a baby planner, but have decided to hold off until I have established a network and more experience with children, as well as expectant mothers. She told me that I should start now, even though people will question me because I don't have any kids. She said to work as a nanny, nurse, etc - to make the right connections. When she was younger she worked at Pea in a Pod and talked to every single pregnant woman that walked in. She didn't have any children when she started, and she explained that she did get questions and several people believed that she was unable to give advice and help pregnant women if she didn't have children herself, but she told me to ignore them and just keep pushing.

Rosie Pope was such a sweet, knowledgeable woman, and an expert in her field. I was able to learn so much from her answer to me, as well as her answers to some of the mothers in the crowd. I even took notes on my phone so that I'd be able to remember her advice to expectant mothers, so that when I'm expecting I can look back on what she said!

I haven't read Mommy IQ, yet because I've been busy studying for a major exam, but I plan on starting it soon. I want to be ready for when I am expecting and when I'm a mommy, and I want to know this information because I feel as if it will help me in my future career as well. As soon as I read it, you can bet that there's going to be a book review! 

Her tour is officially over, but I'm positive that it won't be her last tour. For now you can find her blogging on her website, pinning on Pinterest, tweeting on Twitter, and on Facebook! 

I'm a Tone It Up Girl!

While searching online one day to find a workout program that would fit my busy schedule and one that I would be motivated to do week after week, I came across Tone It Up. Karena and Katrina, the two founders of Tone It Up, are the "new faces of fitness" according to Jane Fonda! They're not only business partners and fitness trainers, but also best friends!

Right from the Tone It Up Website:


"Here you'll find a community of women, of all ages, inspiring and supporting one another to live the life of their dreams; happy, healthy and out of this world!  Explore the site, get to know other team members, download free workouts, print delicious recipes, find inspiration and get ready to tone it up with your trainers, Karena and Katrina!


How to get started with the Tone It Up Lifestyle

• You can find new fitness videos and motivation every week on the blog, ToneItUp.com.

• Don't miss a beat! Sign up for our emails to recieve weekly workouts, recipes & motivation! The TIU Newsletter

• Stay connected with Tone It Up on twitter here, it's easy on your phone! twitter.com/ToneItUp.  A lot of women make twitter names for TIU.  Ex. TIUkate or KateTonesItUp :)

• On facebook?  We are too!  facebook.com/ToneItUp

• We just launched a new workout DVD!  7 full workouts, to tone head to toe~ Your Beach Babe DVD Check it out at BeachBabeDVD.com

• Nutrition is one of the most important parts of our lifestyle at Tone It Up.  What you put in your body affects your mood, fitness goals, energy and lifespan!  Join our lifetime membership here~ Tone It Up Nutrition Plan

• Connect with other Tone It Up members here and build your TIU Profile~ community.ToneItUp.com"

I started this transformation, this new lifestyle almost 4 weeks ago, and I have not looked back - well except, to track my progress! I have not only signed up for the weekly emails, but I also signed up to be a part of the community - where I can communicate and bond with other women going through the same exact lifestyle change - exercising and eating lean, clean, and green! 

I was able to purchase the Beach Babe DVD - which I live by! By doing these workouts every week, as well as cardio (on the tread climber) and quite recently the 30 Day Ab Challenge, I have seen results! I haven't purchased the Tone It Up Nutrition Plan, yet, because of the price ($150), but I have only heard great things about it! I have been watching what I've been eating and I drink as much water as possible during the day to stay hydrated. 

[via instagram: kristynnicole1]

I workout 6 days a week, usually two times a day [cardio & toning exercises], but if I can't work out twice a day, I combine my cardio and toning exercises. Checking in with the community, allows me to see my work out written down, and feel proud and accountable for all that I've accomplished. 

I also purchased their Perfect Fit Protein, which is 100% natural protein, Organic, Gluten-Free, Raw, Vegan, Non-GMO, Kosher, Non-Fat, Sugar-Free, Allergen-Free and Free of Dairy, Lactose, Soy, Corn and Wheat. I use it when making smoothies, post workouts, and they post recipes on their website for pancakes and even peanut butter balls and cookies! 

[via instagram: kristynnicole1]

I hope to include recipes I've tried, and my progress during this lifestyle change. I am not doing this to lose weight, but rather to feel more confident in my skin and to become a healthier person, one step at a time. I essentially just wanted to TONE IT UP!

If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask!

Special Friends Day 2011

Special Friends Day. A day when students volunteer at my college, in the recreation center, to be a child's,  friend for the day, participating in activities and games all day. These children are special, though they have a disability, it is necessary for them to be able to play and enjoy the same activities just like any other child would!

Last year, I participated in this amazing opportunity with my friend from another college, and we had such an eye opening experience, that we knew we needed to do it again this year. I must admit, this year was even even more intense, because our buddy couldn't speak her needs, like the buddy we had the year prior. She would repeat whatever she had heard last, and although she was extremely capable of physical motions and movements, her mental capacity was quite low.

What amazed me was the strength her father had, having two children who were disabled, though one more than the other. I can't imagine how I would handle the situation, but I know that I won't ever know unless I am put in that position. I give these parents and families more credit after volunteering for two years in a row, because it was stressful for me ... not knowing what she wanted, how to make her have the best day, or even when she needed to go to the bathroom.

I wish I could do it next year as well as years to come, but I am graduating in May, and therefore, won't be able to. I do hope that other individuals get involved though, because it's not only eye opening, but it's memorable. I will always remember my two buddies, and think of all they need to go through and battle against in the years to come.

1 Wish for 1 Million Get Well Cards

While I was in my Play in Child Life Practice class, a fellow student proposed an idea. She had heard that a little boy, Max, in Neola, Iowa has been battling leukemia for 6 years; he is now 12 years old. He's otherwise known as Mighty Max because he loves Superheroes, and what boy doesn't!? With this terminal cancer, comes a wish. Not a wish for a new game system, nor for an Iphone, it's a wish for 1 million get well cards. He has received approximately 83,000 cards, as of April 7th 2011, cards from all over the world! It's truly amazing the strength our world has when we come together for one common cause.

Of course, he cannot receive 1 million cards without your help. Send your cards to:

            Mighty-Max Low

          P.O. Box 111

          Neola, IA 51559

and pass it on to everyone and anyone you know!

MTV has even been in contact with Mighty Max and his family. Here's what they have to say:

"The sixth-grader has been in and out of hospitals for most of his life; he was diagnosed with leukemia in kindergarten. Instead of letting the ailment get him down, in 2004, he and a friend thought of a cool way to pass the time while bedridden--get people to write him get well cards. They set a goal of 1 million cards, and while the word initially spread like wildfire locally, the campaign began to peter out at the 24,000 card mark.

Max's most recent return to the hospital on Feb. 21 has got not only locals re-energized--it's sparked action on Facebook. Many, even strangers, have posted updates on Max's condition on their own walls and friends' walls, urging others to join the card-writing campaign.

Since the latest card-writing campaign went viral, Max has rebounded to a closer-to-normal white blood count. "The kid has the most awesome outlook on life," says Besch. He's also well-informed: "Just yesterday, he was telling me that even if he does receive 1 million cards, he still won't be in the Guinness Book of World Records," Besch said. "That guy has 3 million cards received!"

It would mean so much to me if everyone of you could send one card each, or more. I don't know Mighty Max personally, but I have come in contact with other children who have a chronic or terminal illness, and all these children want is to be happy, and of course, to get better. It's the little things in life that make them happy too, such as receiving get-well cards. 

Thank you.

To learn more...click here

Re-do Room

I'm beginning to re-do my room. It began about a month ago, and is still slowly progressing. 


I've currently bought a bedding set, which includes three small throw pillows, a duvet cover & comforter, and white sheets.

Source: Bed Bath and Beyond

I'm looking everywhere for the rug in the above picture, but can't find anything remotely close to it. 

I also received a cute lamp for Christmas.

Source: Target

Not only did I get things to switch my layout, but I also received prints for my walls.

Source: Target

Source: Target

I was looking on Etsy as well and found this adorable "Keep Calm and..." Print & I knew I had to have it!

Source: Jenny Holiday on Etsy

I love all my finds, but I need more storage, as well as cute things to put on my shelves. 

To- Do List Now: DE-CLUTTER & ORGANIZE !

Dear John...

Dear John comes out this Friday. I cannot wait to see it. I read the book a year or two ago and absolutely fell in love with the story, as well as the characters. I put myself in Savannah's shoes, and also John's. Having to leave the one you love for the army. Although it's hard to imagine that feeling, I understood the pain. 

Writing letters just to feel connected; unable to hear the other's voice, unable to touch their body, kiss their lips.

Has anybody been through this and knows what it feels like first hand? If so, please share your story of inspiration or hope. I would love to hear it. 

Will anyone be seeing the movie? I know I will! Let me know your opinions.