I hope this makes you giggle... I know I was chuckling away at my desk.
If only our future redheaded babes will be this awesome, life will be wildly entertaining.
Watch this... you can thank me later! :)
(Hint: 50 seconds is where it starts to get great!)
Elle Magazine recently had the opportunity to sit down with Grammy Award-winning artist, Colbie Caillat, and talk about her brave, new life mantra.
Her newly released EP, Gypsy Heart, boasts a "powerful new music video in which she makes a powerful statement about unfair beauty ideals by shunning hair and make-up." She opened up to the fashion magazine about why she is tired of being Photoshopped, has shut down people's expectations for women, and has never felt better.
"When I see gorgeous models and singers and they look perfect on their album covers, it makes me want to look like that, too, and it makes me feel like if I don’t Photoshop my skin on my album cover, I’m the one who’s going to look a little off and everyone else is going to look perfect. And that’s what everyone is used to seeing."
Watch this video.
You can see just how freeing it is for her to wipe off her make-up, unclip her hair extensions, and simply feel beautiful being in her own skin. What an amazing message for women everywhere to be vulnerable and real.
"We shot the video in reverse, we started bare, and by the end we finished with the full hair and makeup, and then reversed the film for the finished product. All of the women were amazing. My favorite was the woman who has no hair. I first saw her completely bald, no makeup, with a huge smile, she was just so happy and confident. She was so beautiful to me."
Wow. How brave and refreshing. Bravo, Colbie!
Help spread the word to women everywhere.
Whatever you are doing tonight, cancel your plans, pour yourself some vino, and put on your comfiest pants.
The world's best show is coming back to grace living rooms all across America.
Booties will be shaking, feet will be tapping, and bodies won't be able to help but wiggle... ...and I'm just talking about the viewers.
Yup, you guessed it. My favorite show, So You Think You Can Dance, is returning tonight to kick off season 11, and you'd better believe the countdown is on.
I've danced ever since I was a bitty 3-year-old, and it's a huge part of who I am. Dancing has always made me feel so happy and free. It's my creative outlet, one of my favorite ways to express myself.
I've still been known to shake it while deep cleaning the Haskins House, tend to groove while , and tend to break out my most stellar moves right before bedtime in my jammers (just ask my hubs).
So in honor of today being awesome, I give you my two favorite dance videos. Try not to pee your underoos while watching the first one!
Lately I've been loving this gorgeous spring weather, pretty pastel blooms popping up everywhere, and the pavement has been calling my name. It's prime running season, folks, and Lord knows I can't even jog a half mile without my favorite pump up tunes pushing me!
So I love gathering fast paced current songs and freshening up my playlist when I get tired of my go to's. Every active girl knows that good music is a must to make it through a long workout!
So this weekend I was perusing around on Pinterest for hours, which can only mean two things... 1 // It's going to make me hungry and want to bake everything. 2 // I am going to get so many ideas that my head will be spinning and I won't even know where to start.
That being said, I shouldn't be shocked that my DIY list has grown substantially and now all I want to do is shop 'til I drop...*le sigh*. Don't worry, I haven't gone out on some kind of neurotic shopping spree, which I know both my debit card and husband and thankful, but I am scheming. And scheming is never good.
So after thinking about it and setting some priorities, here are my current obsessions (both already purchased faves and little wishlist items). I seriously cannot get enough!
// Current Obsessions //
1) Succulent Living Wall/Vertical Garden DIY
Holy gorgeousness. I was inspired by a sweet little succulent that I found at the Farmer's Market this weekend and transplanted into a quaint little Anthro teacup I had in my kitchen. But now, I suddenly have my eye on bigger projects. Hence, a vertical hanging living wall and a cool rustic letter, both of which would make our beloved patio so fun, don't you think?
Has anyone ever made a living garden?
Tips? Tricks?
2) Linen Striped Sperry Top-Siders
So I was waltzing through Nordstrom one day on a mission to help my hubby find some new jeans, when I spotted these beauties. My sister has been telling me for years how awesome and comfy Sperrys are, but once I saw these cute neutral stripes I couldn't get them out of my head. Thankfully I had a Christmas gift card and an item I needed to return for store credit, so they are now permanently glued to my tootsies.
3) Crate & Barrel Smoothie Straws
If you absolutely love smoothies and don't own these yet, you'd better hop to you nearest C&B! Every morning I fix myself a fruit and spinach protein smoothie to start my day off right, but I was tired of tipping up my glass and getting it all over my freshly set makeup. Umm, I cannot say enough how much I love these smoothie straws. They are super wide, hard plastic straws in fun colors and make sipping a little concoction extra fun!
4) Maybelline Falsies Mascara
I decided to steer away from my usual go-to-favorite mascara on a mere whim, and I tossed this guy into my Target basket. It's incredible! I have short, straight, blonde lashes that make me look like I am sleepy until I can swipe on a coat of mascara. But the second I tried this mascara I knew it was a game changer. My lashes actually CURLED and every single lash was coated without it being clumpy or chipping off. I'm sold.
5) Tom's New Sandals
Okay, I don't own these puppies, but they're on my wishlist. First off, I absolutely love Toms brand. I love their mission to help people, I love their products, and I'm sold. So when they announced their new sandal line, I was already sold. I've been reading tons of reviews and have even felt the sole of them, and I was surprised my how cushy and comfortable they feel. Saving my pennies...
6) "Am I Wrong" by Nico & Vinz
I'm definitely that person who hears a song once, becomes obsesses, and plays it on repeat for the next 3 weeks. Trust me, or even better, ask my poor husband! Haha. I literally heard this on the radio on my way home last night and I cannot get enough. Listen to it, download it, and then tell me it's not so gosh darn catchy. I dare you! :)
My morning started off by being jolted awake when a staff member's phone call at 6:45 a.m.
And then I was woken up again at 7:30 a.m., which normally isn't a big deal, but you see... I wasn't supposed to go in to work until 11 since I worked late last night. My one peaceful morning to sleep in.
Upon walking into my room, I was greeted with a nice warm puddle of dog urine. Lovely. Hence, I was unable to go back to sleep.
Not a fantastic start to the day.
And then I work with a lady that is just really, umm... let's go with challenging, to work with on a daily basis. I do my best to try and keep an optimistic attitude and not let her negativity get to me, but this morning's griping and surliness was exceptionally hard to grit my teeth through.
Thank the sweet Lion of Judah, my husband sent me this video to brighten my day, and that it did, folks. If you're day is off to a rocky start, this one's for you. Or if you simply need something to make you giggle, please press play... you can thank me later.
Wishing you a much better than expected kind of day.
After all, nobody should rob your happiness from you.
And in case for some insanely wild reason that didn't work for you, click HERE, and read the product reviews. I about peed my jammer pants last night reading them - ha!
Whether you made some healthy living resolutions for the new year, or just need a little boost to your current workout tunes, I have the best playlist to share with you!
I am definitely inspired by fun, girly, upbeat tunes that just make me want to dance.
As long as I'm having fun at the gym or out on a run, I can easily stay motivated by awesome, powerful songs.
Definitely a few (okay, a lot...) of guilty pleasures on here, but I hope you enjoy and share with your favorite workout buddies! I've also linked them to YouTube for your convenience, so you can listen before you add them to your current cardio mix!
Lately, I just can't get enough of this gorgeous, crisp fall weather!
Our colorful tree-lined streets look so inviting when I get home from work, so I am definitely not lacking the motivation to get some good activity in.
But to enhance the beautiful view while walking Beast or going on a run, I first need an awesome play list. Just in case you need to update your workout tunes, I'm loving these ones lately...
Am I missing any awesome tunes?
Help me add some good ones to my fall mix!
I am just spent in evey since of the word this week. Working over 60+ hours last week and traveling for a wedding last weekend completely did me in.
On top of it all, I have a huge event tomorrow that I feel like is all on my shoulders alone. Clinging to the promise of freedom that comes tomorrow afternoon at 5 p.m.!
Needless to say, I've been a little withdrawn and stressed this week, but I should be back to my regular blogging schedule next week, fully rested and back to my normally happy self.
Until then, this song takes sole ownership of helping me keep it together the last 2 weeks.
And let me tell you, I've been blasting it on volume 20 in the Jeep.
Every. Single. Morning.
Have a calm and wonderfully relaxing weekend, dears!
I've barely kept my head above water this week as several 13 hour days have seemed a little overwhelming at times. The hubs had offered to give up his entire evening so that we could serve side by side. And even when we arrived home, Adam took care of me any way he could and did it so joyfully.
The redeeming thing on long weeks is that I am so thankful that I love my job and these incredible cancer patients and families a ridiculous amount. My work hours are generally pretty structured, but I love this place so much that I found myself rounding up friends and family to serve meals. To share smiles. To offer hope.
Although the intent is trying to bless these sweet people, they end up blessing me more than anything. They are the ones that make long days worth it. Hearing their laughter during a delicious dinner served by a group of us if music for the soul.
I'm the one who is blessed. And I am beyond thankful for a husband who encourages and supports me as I do what I love doing. He makes me want to be a better person every single day.
You can imagine how much my heart beamed when I saw an unexpected love note via Twitter yesterday. How fitting too... we met on that day 4 years ago.
Wow.
Who knew marriage could be this cool?
Who knew you could fall deeper in love day after day?
I woke up this morning swearing up and down that it was Saturday.
Umm, cruel trick, world. Cruel cruel trick.
But don't you worry, I snapped to it pretty quickly. There is something about Friday that puts me in the best mood ever. I'm ready for refreshing cocktails, relaxing, and spending time with friends!
1) So I wore patriotic colors and kicked it with the Governor at my office yesterday. Hung out with his secret service. You know, a usual Thursday.
JK! Details to come next week!
2) Ridiculously excited to check out First Fridays in the Crossroads district tonight. This plan has been in the works for quite some time... I mean I've lived here for 4 years and still haven't been! Cool art, incredible people watching, and indulging in the local food truck cuisine.
3) So this song has been playing on repeat since literally last night at 11 p.m. (my impromptu PJ dance party). God bless my poor husband.
4) Can't get enough of running lately! I crave being outdoors with the wind in my hair and sunshine on my face. Our weather here in KC has been so perfect for logging some miles on my favorite trails. It's better than craving my usual peanut butter, eh? ;)
Now that spring has settled in with blooming flowers and inviting temperatures, I have been craving some nice long outdoor runs. I absolutely love all the trails and pretty scenery in our neighborhood, and I've been itching to lace up my tennies ever since I moved in after the wedding!
But first thing's first...
A killer cardio playlist.
Every active girl knows that good music is a must to make it through a long workout. So, I thought I'd share my current faves with you in case you're looking for some upbeat tunes to help you pound the pavement...
Am I missing any awesome tunes?
Gladly accepting any song suggestions to add to my mix!
Greetings from rainy and chilly Kansas City.
I woke up to raindrops tapping on my window this morning. My bed was warm, my room was dark, and a huge grin instantly crept across my face. This girl loves rainy days.
I know most people tend to think they're gloomy, but for some reason they're my favorite. I think they're magical and anything can happen.
So once I bribed myself to get out of bed and ready for work, I heated up two very delicious Healthy Egg, Ham & Smoked Gouda Souffle Muffins, grabbed some hot green tea, and headed out the door.
I have Norah Jones singing me sweet songs as I sip tea and get things done in my cozy little office...
Adam is on a business adventure in Seattle this week, and before I left I was silently jealous that he gets to spend a week in the rain. So jealous, in fact, that I began searching for cheap plane tickets so I could go see him when he's up there over the next month.
Have you been to Washington? Was it magical?
In my head it is.
But then again, in my head a bunch of vampires live there too, so that doesn't really give me much credit. :)
Back to my love affair with rainy days...
I've made a list of all the things rainy days should include. In fact, I've been daydreaming about them all morning as I work on little projects.
.:: Here's the list ::.
+ bake muffins
+ snuggle with Bella Beast
+ watch all of my favorite Norah Ephron movies
(When Harry Met Sally, You've Got Mail, Sleepless in Seattle...)
+ get lost in a good book
+ take naps (yes... multiple)
+ pancakes, of course
+ start a raging fire in the fireplace
+ wear your coziest socks
+ dance around in your underoos to Frank Sinatra
+ began a new craft project
+ write letters
+ try a new recipe
+ completely lose all track of time perusing Pinterest
(story of my life.)
+ sip on a tasty latte
+ sweats and a pony are a must
+ throw all inhibitions to the wind
.:::.:::.:::.:::.:::.
Are you enjoying the raindrops where you are?
What tops your rainy day list?
Whether rainy or not, Norah Jones is good for any soul... have a listen :)
Wishing you a cozy & happy Thursday, dear friends!
Today marks 88 days until my forever starts.
How can it be that I get to walk down the aisle with my daddy and see the love of my life standing at the end of it. Just thinking of it gives me chills.
One of the many moments I'm most looking forward to is our first dance as husband and wife. Quiet. Just the two of us. Letting the moment and words sink in as he holds me in his arms. That's when our forever starts.
Chills.
Listening to "our song" tonight and it just fills me up.
We fell in love with Ben Rector's music together and have seen him in concert twice now. The very last time he sang "Forever Like That" - an unreleased song that is simply beautiful.
Every word or feeling that we have for each other is summed up in that sweet song... and we have our fingers crossed that he releases the album before March 9th! I think tweeting Ben everyday probably helps our chances, right?
I kid... I kid... (kind of.)
If not, we can borrow this live YouTube version that I may or may not listen to several times a week. It just makes your soul happy, you know?
"Forever Like That" By: Ben Rector And I'll be your rainy day lover.
Whenever the sunny days end.
And whatever the weather, we have each other.
And that's how the story will end
I'll be your shade tree in summer mmm.
If you'll be my fire when it's cold.
And whatever the season, well, we'll keep on breathing.
Cause we'll have each other to hold.
I'll hold - I'll sing...
Well, I wanna love you, forever I do.
And I wanna spend all of my days with you.
I'll carry your burdens and be the wind at your back.
I wanna spend my forever - forever like that.
And I'll be the words on the pages.
If you'll be my sweet melody.
And the tune can keep changing, cause I'll keep arranging.
And this is the song that we'll sing.
We'll sing...
I'm gonna love you, forever I do.
I'm gonna spend all of my days with you.
I'll carry your burdens and be the wind at your back.
I wanna spend my forever - forever like that.
When the rain comes, I'll be your shelter.
When the storms blow, we'll be together.
When the winds may fall, I'll be right by your side.
I'll sing...
I'm gonna love you, forever I do.
I'm gonna spend all my days with you.
I'll carry your burdens and be the wind at your back.
I'm gonna spend my forever - mmm, forever like that. .:::.:::.:::.:::.:::.
See, I told you it's amazing, didn't I?
The words alone make me cry, but these are the good tears. The over-joyed, happy kind of tears.
And on very special occasions, Adam will dance with me in the kitchen and sing the words in my ear. Love those days.
...and he'll probably shake his head at me and give me that look for telling you. Probably going to be in trouble tomorrow... :) Is it March 9th yet? *sigh*
Happy hump day! The weekend is in sight... and I'm SO ready!
Well, many of you have been reprimanding me for not remembering to take photos... and rightfully so! I've been forgetting to break out my camera. But don't you worry, hopefully today's weekend recap photos will more than make-up for it!
So, a few months back, I saw a Groupon for a VIP tour of Arrowhead Stadium (where the Kansas City Chiefs play). Instantly I knew I had to buy it in order to score extra points with the future hubs... the world's biggest Chiefs fan. ;)
This tour went above and beyond the standard one they offer to the public, so we got to see/learn some really neat things! After booking it several months ago, this past weekend was our super fun tour and we had an absolute blast!
We went out on the field, saw executive suites, the locker rooms, threw a football on the field, and had a good ol' time together. Life is always more fun when you share in each other's interests, and adventure side by side.
.:: Our VIP Tour ::.
1) Adam was having a good old time tossing the football around on the field. Woo, what a stud! 2) It was so nice to spend a beautiful morning outside at the stadium and adventure together. 3) The tunnel that the teams run out onto the field... pretty cool!
4) We got our photo on the field... after I scored a touchdown, of ocurse. 2) The old school locker rooms that have been around for decades. 3) Look at that happy man. Go Chiefs!
.:::.:::.:::.:::.:::.
I hope you got your photo fill for a bit!
I'm headed to the Buzz Under the Stars concert tonight here in KC, so I will keep you all informed via Twitter on how awesome it is! I can't wait to see FUN perform live. I bet you $10 you recognize this song, but I am really hoping they play this doozy...
Full concert recap will be here tomorrow! Also tomorrow, Adam and I are heading on a roadtrip to Madison this weekend, so I'll have to share all of the fun mischief we plan on getting into... yikes!
Bonjour, my loves! Happy Thursday to you all! As many of you who follow me on Twitter know, Thursdays are always one of my favorite days of the week. Why? DATE NIGHT!
Yes, tonight is date night, and Adam threw out a great idea to try a mom and pop Italian restaurant that we've heard nothing but great things about... so excited! Is it 5 p.m yet?
Also on my happiness list... today is the first day of the NCAA tournament. The reason why this makes me happy, is every year Adam starts growing his "winter beard" in October and it lasts until sometime in March.
Although I think he looks ruggedly handsome with his facial hair, I miss his face! He made me a deal saying as soon as K-State loses in the tourney, his sweet baby face will return! :)
On to the randomness...
__________________________________________
{ Random Recap }
1) On Sunday afternoon I made this Strawberry Bread recipe and substituted the sugar and oil for honey and greek yogurt. It turned out to be tasty, but definitely less sweet.
2) Sunday night, we had tickets for the Ben Rector/Needtobreathe concert. I have to admit that our sole reason in buying tickets was to see Ben again! That being said, we had a great time visiting The historic Midland Theater, even though it was rainy and chilly while we waited in line. Don't I look cold and a little rained upon?
{ Adam likes to make silly faces in almost every photo we have... }
3) Last winter/spring I was put on steroids to ease the symptoms of my autoimmune disease. I gained 20 lbs. in 3 months. Now that all of my medical issues have been managed without steroids, I am finally starting to lose the extra lbs!!
As of today, down 6.2 lbs!! Soooo close to being down into the next "decade"! Join me for FREE on MyFitnessPal and we can do this together!
4) Yesterday, I bought the world's best/cheapest running tights (and they are reversible! Blue waistband on the other side!) and fitted dri-fit tops from Target! I was so excited, I decided to do an awesome 4 mile run after work.
I highly recommend both to any runners out there. The tights fit like a dream, and I loved how the dri-fit shirt stayed in place my whole run and was very breatheable! I may go back for more! ;)
5) Well, attempted to run the whole thing. 2 miles into my run, Bella Beast stopped, passed out in the middle of the path, and didn't want to budge another step. So I carried her all the way home... and then finished the last 2 miles!
Not sure what happened to my 6 mile running companion went, but I have a feeling I'll need to build up her fitness again! ;) Slowly on my way to half marathon status!
__________________________________________
How's your week going? Anything fun that you're excited about?
Happy Friday, Y'all! This is my first weekend back at home in several weeks and I'm looking forward to it! Although there are many fun things on the calendar, I'm looking forward to relaxing, maybe do a little cleaning and some sugar-free baking experiments (hello natural sweetners... is lent over yet? haha).
1) I am on the hunt for classy (not to be confused with cheesy) Easter/spring decor. Think Pottery Barn Easter for half the price. Granted, I haven't begun looking too hard, but you'd better believe I'll be scouring Kansas City this weekend to tranform mi casa. Help!
2) My mascara sucks. Let's just be honest here, why am I so incapable of buying a tube that will make my eye lashes lengthen, be clump-free, and goes on easily? I am desperate for suggestions, because I think I've reached my mascara serial-buying wits end here!
3) I am happy to say that I am down a whopping 5 lbs! Finally all of the clean eating and increased exercise is paying off! Going to be reaching a new "decade" soon, and I'm excited to wiggle back into my "itsy bitsy" jeans.
4) My apartment needs a facelift. I've been slowly working on those little chores like laundry and dishes, but this weekend, it's getting a spring cleaning/de-cluttering/spring decor overhaul! So ready... it's been a long time coming.
5) I am completely OBSESSED with The Hunger Games trilogy. I am not a girl who just picks up a book and can't put it down, but I breezed through The Hunger Games in about 2 days this week.
I was so excited about book 1, that I rushed to Barnes and Noble to pick up Catching Fire. Anyone else in my boat? If not, read it! You can write me a nice thank you card later! ;) Countdown til the movie release... 2 weeks!! Woop woop!
6) We're heading to see Ben Rector (for the second time) this weekend, and I couldn't be more excited. Adam bought us tickets months ago and I'm looking forward to an awesome date night out! Now if only I could figure out something to wear...
Not familiar with Benjamin? Let me introduce you to my favorite song of his and a special Whitney Houston tribute... love!
.:::.:::.:::.:::.
Wishing you lovelies a wonderful weekend! If you know any good tips/suggestions for my afore mentioned issues, please help a sista out!!
I'll be back Monday for a full weekend recap, including photos, following my Mingle Monday Weekly Blog Hop! Stay tuned...