Certified Personal Trainer

When I was in about Grade 10, I would tell people that I wanted to be a personal trainer and everyone would be a little surprised. Especially since I didn't have a clue about working out at this age. I went to University forgetting about this idea I had of being a personal trainer. Then my sister reminded me of it this summer. So I went for it! At the time I was really big into working out, nutrition and was on my own journey of losing weight and getting healthy. 

It was a lot of hard work and long hours of studying at night while working a full time job. But it was so worth it! Last Wednesday I passed my finals and am now a Certified Personal Trainer.

Its official! I have my personal training certificate and my associates with an Emphasis in Health Science. It has been a little bit of a dream come true and I can't wait to share my passion with the world. In February I start my pregnancy class, and within the year I will be a Women's Specialist, specifically in pre and post natal health!

The Gift of Life

It's really late, or rather really early in the morning but I cannot sleep. I have a million things going through my mind and I hope by sharing them I can relieve this tight anxious pit that has festered inside me.

One year ago I found out my dearest friend from childhood had died. It happened quickly and it left all of us behind in shock. I felt as though my heart has been torn right from my chest. I had never had experience someone so close leaving me behind with so many questions, so many unsaid words. I love him so much, with all of his flaws, and things we disagreed on. Even though his endearing nickname for me was Barfa! We were family, best friends. My favourite memory with him was when we were really little we would stay up and watch the stars after watching hours on end of animal planet!

Somehow during this great loss of mine my maternal instinct surfaced. Losing Derek made me realize the important things in life and I had my heart set on my eternal goals. Non of those little things even seamed important anymore. Taylor and I soon after decided we wanted to start a family. A year has passed now and I still miss and love my best friend. Taylor and I still look forward to the day when we can get the blessing of starting our family, but one things I have learned this year is that everything is in the Lord's timing even when we can't make sense of the reasoning now.

I still don't understand why he had to go so soon.

I still don't know why I lost my pregnancy.

But I do know that Life is Truly a Gift.

Forgive Me

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2012

BOOM BOOM!

You'll have to forgive me, I'm on a business trip for work and did not prepare or bring my computer or camera so here we go with some totally lame self shots of my outfit. But it's killer cute so hopefully that makes up for it. This is my new favorite outfit and it's all Downeast. Since I'm on a business trip I had to be decked out!

Scarf: Down East
Sweater: Dropped Dots Cardi Down East
Tank: Shade clothing
Pants: Boom Boom jeans via Down East
Belt: Target

If you are trying to lose weight, gain lean muscle mass, training for a 5k or marathon you should know how much protein your body needs to help meet you goals. 

Come on over for the information you need!

Guest Fashionista: Jenaca

This is my friend Jenaca. She is the nicest most sincere person I know. I still have a dream that one day we will get to live near each other because I just love her family to pieces. 

She is a mother of two and just had her second baby girl 2 months ago. Doesn't she look amazing!?

 Shirt: Forever 21 $19.99

Jeans: Silver via Tjmaxx $29.99

Jewelry: Tia Pan Necklace $30 Earrings $15

Shoes: Nordstrom Rack $34.99

Jenaca Thanks so much for sharing your sense of style with us and at a bargain! 

Nobody is Perfect

Reflecting on how far I have come today and also realizing the huge impact my new life style has on my life.

Come on over to my fitness blog to get a little reminder that perfection is not needed!

Thrive Food Storage

This is a deal I just couldn't help but share with everyone!

Thrive foods is having a black friday sale. If you haven't heard of Thrive it is freezer dried canned foods, way cheaper then even what they are selling at Walmart. I have tasted it so I know it is yummy as well. I have been wanting to order some for about a year but never wanted to bite the bullet so I was in awe when I found out it was on sale! Something everyone should have no matter where you live.

For example I got a large cans of whole wheat flour for $5 (52 servings inside) that is cheap!

Hurry and check it out right here, ends Nov 26th

Thankful

This year has been probably one of the hardest years in a long time. We have had a death very close to my heart along with our miscarriage this summer I really thought my heart would break. But with the trails have come so many blessings. Although it was a hard year this past week I have really been able to see the Lord's hand in my life. Although sometimes I still think his plans are a little rough on the soul I know they are always better then what I would have thought up. 

• I got an amazing full time job that could make being debt free possible before we have a baby
• We get the chance to go to Africa in 3 months
• I saw how much my family cared about me even though they couldn't relate to me sometimes
• I started living a life I enjoy instead of doing what I thought was "expected" from me
• My Husband is Golden, just couldn't get any better
• I dream about my best friend I lost every night so he is always with me (This might seam weird to many but Taylor pointed out that in a way that is how I can still be with him when I miss him)

Ahh the list could go on, I can think of way too many. Our life plan is still a mystery to me, but I know that we will be blessed and with each trial we have we will only continue to love each other more and grow closer.

Holiday Reminder Top

I will have to apologize for the very late post today. And the not so great picture.

But I have a super good reason. I got a promotion at work!

After only a month of working at Down East I was made the store manager. It is a full time job, and I am in charge of EVERYTHING I mean everything. It has been a whirl wind of craziness ever since I got this new position. I have to transfer stores and learn a whole new job. Not to mention I am still in school! Currently I am working 8-10hrs a day, and doing 3-5hrs of homework everyday of the week. Life as I knew it is over!

Top: Down East Basics

Jeggings: Joe (From Down East Outfitters)

Boots: Steve Madden

Jewellery: Stella & Dot

Thats right I am the Manager and I also love my job!

** I know I am not the only one who has a tiny bit of style, I think most of my readers probably dress better then I do. So next Wednesday I want to do a post about you!! Comment with your email in the comment box and I will send you the details on how to be feature in "What She Wore Wednesdays."**

Season for Sickness

The weather is changing and it seams to be that time of year when people start to get sick. We also live in a college town which means in a month final projects are due along with comprehensive exams and I feel like this invites the sickness in as well.

By keeping your house clean this season you can help your family hopefully stay away from catching anything too nasty. I have a cleaning chart with a new task everyday for two weeks and then we start all over again. But there is one thing I wanted to chat about in particular.

Knobs. 

Yup you read right knobs! Handles, knobs, drawer pulls, all of those things that we touch over and over again every single day and most people don't think to clean them because they never look dirty. Every 14 days I make sure to sanitize all these high traffic hand touching places to make sure we aren't picking up more germs then needed. If I was completely paranoid I would do it every other day but... I'v got things to do!

Light switches.

Toilet handle.

Doorknobs.

Drawer Pulls.

Cupboard knobs.

Blind pulley things.

Fridge handles.

Dishwasher handle.

Microwave buttons.

TV Remote.

These are all the things I make sure I sanitize I am sure you can think of many more.

What do you do for your family to help chase away the cold/flu?

What is your favourite way to make sure your house is always clean?

Jade

One of those days wear putting a skirt on and wearing your jade necklace just because it makes you feel good! Sometimes I feel that the day needs more then just my jeans, and it was one of those days.

Life is crazy over here and I'll have to update you soon on the newest life changes.

Not to mention how in love I am with my hair turning out this good in only 10 minutes. My new go to hair style for the second day of curly hair or even straight - score!

Shirt: Shade Clothing

Skirt: Lulubella Boutique

Tights: Sweater Tights from Targer

Boots: Steve Madden

Jewelry: Stella & Dot

Watch: Michael Kors

Chicken Stock from Scratch

This fall I have been in love with making homemade soup. I realize the other day that I usually make all my soups from scratch almost... I always got my chicken stock/broth out of a can. I wanted to make some soup from scratch stock and all. It wasn't too hard, more effort then opening a can but this way I know exactly what I am putting on my body.

1. I used the left over carcass from our roasted chicken and put it in a big pot

2. Filled with water until almost covered

3. Add garlic, some onion powder, little salt and pepper or other spices you might like

4. Let it bowl and then reduce to simmer for several hours or all day occasionally stirring

5. Turn burner off and let cool

6. Put a strainer in a bowl and poor contents in.

7. Pick all the remaining meat off the carcass and add to broth

I ended up with 7 cups with homemade broth which I divided up and froze to use later.

I like the idea of being resourceful and getting all the meat of the carcass as well as making some broth to use for later. 

Home bound

I went on a much needed trip home two weeks ago. I didn't want to come back to my real like I was enjoying being with all my sisters so much. So silly we didn't all get a picture together.

Michelle who let me tag along and make a road trip out of her journey home

Homemade Bread - most amazing bread you will ever have!

Starting planning our trip to Africa while I was there. A Safari followed by working in a dental clinic with my parents.

Can't go to Canada without picking up some amazing chocolate

I finally got to meet my new niece Edith. She melted my heart, I had so much fun rocker her to sleep and holding her in my arms.

She even discovered her thumb for the first time while I was home

We also started a baby quite for a future girl baby phillips. This was my first time quilting and it felt easy having my mother and sister to help, I got to sew a lot of it together. It was actually a very healing activity, being actively hopeful for the next time I get the blessing of being pregnant.

The picture above is the backing and below is the top. It still has to get quilted and bound.

Being Brave

A friend and I had a conversation a little while back and her words have stuck to me like glue. She said that when we are presented with two paths we should always pick the hardest one, because those are the things that help us grow and learn the most.

Lately I feel like I have been slapped with so many different decisions, and they choice has never been easy. I toss, turn and fret over every choice I have to make causing stress and lack of sleep some nights. I think I am going to take the advice to heart and choose to take the harder paths in life.

Next week I am going to start something that I am afraid to do, terrified of failing, making a joke out of myself, having people judge me, and pushing myself and my body to the limit.

What have you done lately that scared you?

Thrifted

I'm having one of those... "I swear this looked cuter in person" moments. But non the less here we go!

Who's enjoying what she wore wednesday's??

Top: Gap {Thrifted}

Jeans: Pilcro

Shoes: Steve Madden

Necklace: Stella & Dot

This week has been a little bit crazy, I have been sick but I think I am finally shaking it off and getting more back to normal. Really throws me off my game when it comes to, well... pretty much everything!

Halloween is over and we sprinting toward thanksgiving and then it will be Christmas in now time, which I am very impatient to start decorating for!

A Lovely Surprise

I got a text from a friend with this photo asking if it was me!?

To my surprise I found out this photo is hanging in the art building on campus. I felt honoured to be displayed in the art building with Andrea's collection of photography

This is the second time a photo of me has been displayed here, how fun :)

Halloween Night

What we wore Wednesday Night

Tay and I dressed up as Lois Lane and Kent Clark for a halloween party. I thought we turned out looking pretty sharp personally. Sorry the pictures were so awful we didn't bring our real camera.

I also did not eat a single cookie, candy, or pizza slice the whole day! Stuck to my normal weekly eating schedule with all the temptation around which means I will enjoy the Canadian candy I saved even more this weekend.

Red Jeans

I love my red pants. Never thought I would be able to pull something like this off but I finally found the right pair at this odd store called Romy in Idaho of all places! They were only $19 which is a great price for a bold piece.

Once again a very freezing photo session I think I am going to have to bite the bullet and start wearing some sweaters!

The back of this shirt is my all time favourite so I had to get a picture of it. Sort of hard to tell but it is  panel of embroidered lace flowers.

Top: Anthropology
Pants: Romy
Shoes: Reef
{Most comfortable flats of ALL time!}
Jewelry : Stella & Dot
Watch: Michael Kors

Stuffing - amazing stuffing!

All right I have never made stuffing today and I am also picky about how stuffing taste, feel, looks etc. But today I made my own and just made a recipe up with a little help of the internet and I have to say it was blow your mind good. It is just bread and it is the dryer kind, no soggy bread at the bottom.

You will also have to excuse the fact that I did not measure my spices, I just shook until it looked good.

Save this or write this down for your upcoming thanks giving dinner, you won't be sorry.

4 cups bread cubed (I used some Orton whole wheat)

2 eggs

1/4 cup chicken broth

Dash of Garlic salt

Minced Garlic I probably used about 1/2 tsp

Montreal Chicken Seasoning about 1/2 tbls

Garlic & Herb Salt Free Seasoning about 1 tsp

Salt

Pepper

1. Throw it all in and stir until well mixed, but be gentle so you don't mush up the bread

2. Put in dish with lid at 350' for 30 minutes and then take the lid off and let it cook for another 5 so that you can crisp the top a little.

3. Enjoy :)

Wow not the greatest picture but I hate recipes without a little vision so here it is!

Comfortable A+

I really just wanted to be comfortable today so I pulled my hair up in a bun, and threw on my softest loose long sleeve. I was super happy to be wearing this today!!

It was sooo cold and windy taking pictures felt a little impossible. My face in the first picture was my attempt at posing and staying warm!? Not sure.

Top: Anthropology

Jeans: Pilcro

Shoes: Shop in Europe

Earrings: Stella & Dot

Butternut Squash Soup

This is my new favourite meal! It is also super healthy and clean, what more could you ask for!?

1 butternut squash peeled and cubed

1 apple squash peeled and cubed

28 oz Chicken broth

2 tbsp milk

1/4 cup greek yogurt

3/4 tsp cuman

Salt + Pepper to taste

Hand full of cashews or almonds

Garlic + Onion Powder

1. Put butternut squash, apple, and broth into a pot and cook until tender. 

2. Add the rest of the ingredients and blend.

3. Test and adjust spices as needed.

So simple, and my new favourite comfort food. Yum, Yum, Yum!!

*You can caramelize real onions and garlic if you have that on hand*

A Sincere Question

I have just been over flowing with emotion these past weeks and have to share just a little so I don't burst at the seams. I hope I'm not the only one that feels like this sometime.

"Once a women carries a baby, her life will be altered forever." 
- Sharri Wittwer

In such a short time when pregnant we had this powerful bond and love for our child, each other and felt waiting for the blessing to come was worth the wait. We had built and planned this whole future and vision of our life in the near future which was soon shattered in one tragic event. My heart is still broken and my love only seems to grow stronger for that baby I was carrying. I wish there was some magic words that would help me heal or "move-on" but so far I have found the most comfort in the words...

"How are YOU?"

I have only have one person in the past month or two sincerely come to me and ask me how I was doing, or coping with the recent events. Such powerful words! Knowing that someone is still thinking of me and wanting to know that I was doing okay meant so much. Next time you see someone struggling or hear of them going through a hard time try asking this and listening. It will probably be the best way that you can help is to just truly care about them.

Interview Attire

Please excuse once again a dressed up post - I had an interview for a job that I am under qualified for. But it never hurts to try right!?

Pretty simply outfit this week. I am loving this top I found at anthropology this weekend in Utah. I usually wouldn't buy something with a little bow near the neck but something about this top spoke to me. It is very comfortable but looks more polished probably my favourite thing! This clutch was a great find at Goodwill in Reston, Virginia - only $6. I feel it goes with everything because it is just that pop of colour you can add to almost every outfit.

Sweater: Anthropology 

Skirt: Lulu Bella

Shoes: Corso Como {Nordstroms}

Clutch: Goodwill

Watch: Micheal Kors

Living Room Re-Do

This was our living room before:

After Photos:

Things we re-did/added

Throw Pillow: redone by Myself

Ottoman: redone by Myself

Picture frames: Target and Bed, Bath & Beyond

Chevron Rug: Home Goods

Flowers: Tjmaxx

Entertainment Center: Sam's Club

Grey Couch: Down East Outfitters Home

Andrea Brionne Photography

My friend Andrea Brionne took some wonderful photo's of me last week to add to her portfolio. You can view here website here. She has such a good eye for lighting. This is what she called a "styled" photo shoot. I had my hair done and my outfits picked out so she could get some specific shots she needed. It was a lot of fun!

I feel like I look older then usual is these photos, something mature and somber about them. Which is fitting for how I have been feeling lately.

Cheaper than Therapy

Anyone notice something different??

I darkened my hair! I wanted to chop bangs but new I would regret it so I died my hair instead. I was feeling a little desperate and in need of something to help me spice things up. One of those "Cheaper than Therapy" moments! Now I am wishing I had of left it alone, but now it is out of my system and hopefully it will fade quickly.

This Wednesday I finally got a bit of working subbing at my old work on campus so today I am dressed up.

Showing of the Pockets of this ultra comfortable Jersey dress
Apparently my scarf is trying to sneak away in this picture

Scarf: Buckle

Jewelry: Stella & Dot

Dress: Shade Clothing; on sale for $20 right now!

Belt: Banana Republic

Boots: Steve Madden

Socks: Urban Outfitters

Edit: I have had a lot of people ask me what size I got. I ordered a medium and I feel like it is slightly on the small side. I am a size 6 so according to the size chart I ordered a size up - mine does fit a little loose and as you can see I belt it; but felt a needed the extra room for my bum! I would suggest ordering your true size if you want it a little more fitted or if you want to belt it and have it a tad loose like mine order a size up. I am 136 lbs and 5'7. I usually need a small in tops but I usually always buy mediums in dress's since I am larger on the bottom. Hope that helps all of those who wanted to buy it! It is super comfortable and really enjoyed wearing it for my first time today :)

Night at the Market

Today was a historic night for me! I have Taylor rate all my outfits, shopping, at home, all the time. Today I got a perfect 10 for the first time ever! My average is around 8.8, it was a happy day for me :)

Jeans: Anthropology

Boots: Steve Madden

Shirt: Free People

Scarf: Buckle

Hat: Lady from Ecuador

Loved spending the night at the market with Taylor. We ran into so many good friends, ate good food, bought pulled pork bowls and scones. It was a really fun way to end the week.

What She Wore Wednesday

Lately I have had a lot of people asking me a lot of questions about fashion. Just a couple days ago I had a friend say, "You should be posting your outfits everyday!" I won't be going to that extreme but I thought it might be fun to start a new little weekly post dedicated to clothes. Something I have to admit, I'm overly addicted to clothes. There are a lot of fashion blogs out there and many seem to have unrealistic outfits. So I would like to stay true to myself and help inspire some cute, comfortable outfits with clothes you have in your own closet. Because who really wants to do errands in a million layers, heels, and 8 bracelets - Adorable, but not me.

Also I don't think I realized how awkward I would feel going out and taking pictures.

Hopefully I can pull this off!?

Earrings, Bracelet, Ring: Stella & Dot 

Watch: Micheal Kors

Jeans: Paige's

Tank Top: Shade Clothing

Blazer: Tjmaxx

Cheetah: Bohme Boutique

Boots: Steve Madden (The Colorado Ownership - They use better leather)

If anyone has outfit requests let me know!