T.O.L 11/13 ; New News!

Good morning and happy thinking out loud Thursday!

It’s been quite some time since I’ve participated in the link-up party. (Sorry, Amanda!) Life has been crazy busy lately, so typing up this post will let me put my mind at ease. 🙂

1. I cannot stop listening to Blank Space by Taylor Swift and The Heart Wants What It Wants by Selena Gomez. They are both so catchy, and I can’t get enough! I always catch myself humming or singing a tune from either one of the songs.

 

2. I got into this online game called Tera. If you don’t know what that is, it’s kind of like a mystical mid-evil game. I have a girl character named Day.dreaming. Her race is an elin and she’s a healer. I’ve been spending quite a few hours a day playing. o.o It’s soooooo fun!

 

3. I’ve been getting better at driving! I’ve finally went onto the major roads, and I’m still really nervous, but it’s been getting better! I just have to work on easing on the gas and brake. 😮

 

4. I’ve been lacking in the sleep department lately, but I find myself full of energy throughout the day. (After coffee of course. 😉 ) What is this madness?!

 

5. I am so so so ready for the cold weather. It has been hot for too long in Arizona. I’ve already got my beanies, sweaters, hoodies, mittens, scarves, and blankets all ready! 🙂

6. My diet Snapple peach tea kick is back! My mom bought a few packages for me, and they may or may not be already gone…

7. Did you hear about Toy Story 4 and the new minions movie coming out?! You guys, I don’t think you understand how excited I am about that!

 

8. I am on the hunt for an owl mug. I have been using some plain-Jane mugs lately, and I’ve been seeing a lot of cute owl mugs on Tumblr. If anyone knows of any places I can get a hold of, please leave a comment below. 🙂

9. I am so excited about being able to start lighting a fire in the living room. It’s going to make me even more excited about Christmas!

 

10. My birthday is in 26 days! ^_^

 

I hope everyone has/is having an amazing day! ❤

 

-What songs have you been listening too lately?

-Are you ready for the cold weather? 

-Tell me some of your thoughts! 

—————————

Connect with me!

Instagram -> @lovenataliemarie

Twitter -> @xolovenatalie

Facebook -> /nataliexdarling

E-mail -> lovenataliemarie@gmail.com

T.O.L. – Questions For You

Happy Thursday everyone! 

Can you believe that it is already Thursday?! I can’t. This week is really flying by. I think this is due to the fact that we just had a long weekend. Fingers crossed another will come soon. 😉 I’m getting back into the groove of blogging again, and I am happy to be typing out my random thoughts again! (Hey, Amanda!) ^_^

 

1. I am more than happy that is September. September marks the start of fall. I LOVE FALL. Seriously, I have been loving the candle scents that have been coming out and the treats. Have you seen those new Jeff Whips products, english muffins, coffee flavors, PUMPKIN PIE, M&M’s, etc. Heaven in my mouth you guys!

2. When talking about Fall, you can’t help but bring up pumpkin. I am a huge lover of pumpkin. I love it in my oatmeal, in my cookies, just everything. I love pumpkin spiced coffee and teas. I also start to use cinnamon a lot more in the fall. I can’t be the only one. Fingers crossed my skin doesn’t get an orange tint! 😀

3. Along with lifting, I have been starting to do more yoga. I haven’t really gotten the relaxing bit to it yet (still skwirming), but I can tell you that is really improving my tolerance to soreness and increasing my strength. It’s very relaxing. The fact that it is required by one of my classes gives me a good reason to buy more yoga pants. 😉

4. Even though it does reach 100+ degrees F here in Arizona, I have been feeling cold a lot more lately. I’m basically living in sweatpants, leggings, and hoodies. Is this normal? O.o

5. I have finally been sleeping through the nights more now. Usually I wake up about four times, but I haven’t been lately! I think it’s due to the fact that I’ve been so busy. Hey, I’m not complaining! This girl loves her sleep. 🙂

6. I really, really, really want to do some traveling.

7. My reading kick has been put into gear again. I weened off for a while, but now I am knocking out books. I love reading as well as listening to audio books while I’m on the go. It really does come in handy and I love the personality from the readers!

8. With choosing a university next year, I have been getting all these types of feels. I have been feeling anxious for going, overwhelmed by the option, a bit sad that my parents don’t want me to leave the nest, and just confused. For anyone in college, can you please leave me some tips for choosing college and getting prepared? It would be well appreciated. 😀

9. I am starting to get away from social media more. I have decided to delete my accounts to some websites, but I’m still keeping the major ones. It’s just so overwhelming to me. I know it may be weird to some, but I love disconnecting. It stresses me out. Is it like this with anyone else?

10. I HOPE YOU HAVE AN AMAZING DAY, BECAUSE YOU’RE BEAUTIFUL AND YOU DESERVE TO. ❤

-Just the questions from above. 🙂

– + What’s on your mind?

——————-

Connect with me!

Instagram -> @lovenataliemarie

Twitter -> @xolovenatalie

Facebook -> /nataliexdarling

E-mail -> lovenataliemarie@gmail.com

Thinking Out Loud ; 5/15

Happy Thursday everyone!  😀

Seeing as both Amanda and I have a strong dislike towards intros, I will keep this short and sweet and get straight into the thoughts. Shall we?

1. I am happy to report that I took my final last exam yesterday! Man.. those three and a half hours were brutal. I am happy to say that I think I did pretty good on it though! I had peppermints to keep me calm throughout the test, I took my deep breaths, and I really focused in on the work. AP has really kicked my booty, but I can say that I ended up being the victor in the end. 😉

2. In the past week since moving, I have had Sonic twice. I’m saying this because ever since my E.D. days, I haven’t stepped foot in there. With the stress of moving and school, I just had to get something quick and wanted to (I guess you could say) ‘conquer’ another food fear. I haven’t gone all out extreme, but the grilled chicken sandwich with fries is good enough for me. One day I will try the shakes.. one day.

3. I have also put exercising on the back burner these past few days as well. I thought that exercise on top of already stressing about studying for school would make things much harder on myself, so I decided I would go a few days without it. My mental being is really thanking me for that.

4. Ever since Amanda brought back the facts, I have been scrolling through @Uberfacts on Twitter endlessly. Some of the stuff on there is crazy..

5. Along with bananas, I cannot eat blueberries on their own. I have to have them in either a smoothie or oatmeal. I tried having plain blueberries yesterday while studying, and was I feeling some serious stomach cramps. Oy vey..

6. Sleep is a VERY glorious thing. I cannot emphasize it enough on how much I love sleep.

7. I’m craving summer pretty much all of the time now. I cannot wait for all of the family time, friends time, hikes, swimming, smoothies, fruit, doin’ my thang, etc. Who’s with me?! 😀 T-9 days!

8. I will finally be able to get baking this weekend in the kitchen! Everything in the house is set up and I have some idea flourishing in my head. It’s crazy how much of a break from baking can really spark your imagination. I’m ready to get the goods baking and my house smelling like wonderland.

9. A few more dresses are in order to be bought for summer. Primarily sundresses, but any will do. 😉

10. Oh! Christine! How I have been getting my hair so thick and shiny is from increasing my healthy fats intake primarily! I have been eating a lot more peanut butter and tuna lately. I’ve also been having avocado (but not as much). I have been aiming around 8 -9 hours of sleep a night. I don’t wash it everyday, because that strips away the natural oils. I haven’t applied to heat to it since last year. I think my increased blood circulation from working out has something to do with it as well. If I think of anything else, I’ll let you know! 🙂

I hope you have an amazing day! ❤

-What’s your favorite thing to bake?

-What are you doing this summer?

-What are you looking forward too?

-What’s on your mind?

——————–

Connect with me!

Instagram -> @myhealthlyjourney

Twitter -> @xolovenatalie

Pinterest -> @xolovenatalie

E-mail -> lovenataliemarie@gmail.com

Currently ; May 2014

Happy Monday Cinco de Mayo everyone!

I hope everyone had a marvelous weekend that was filled with a lot of happiness and whole lot less of stress. Amiright? I know I’m a few days late, but it’s time for a currently post for the month of May! ^_^

 

Current Book:

The Road by Cormac McCarthy. I was finally able to snag a copy from the library, and so far, it is a really good book! It’s a bit confusing without proper punctuation, but I overlook that. I heard a movie on the book came out, so once I finish the book, I’m gonna watch it. From what I’ve read so far, I would really recommend it. 🙂

Current Music:

Still playing this song on repeat. I can’t get enough of it.

Current Guilty Pleasure:

Art. I have neglected it for quite some time, but I am getting back in the groove. It’s ranging from masks, to Disney boxes, to sculptures, to sketches. My artistic side is coming out stronger than ever!

Current Nail Color:

Still rocking the purple. My other nail polishes have been packed away. I did get a pedicure with a really cute tealish-aquamarine color, but I’ll save you from seeing a picture of my feet. I personally don’t like seeing feet.

Current Entertainment:

Lately, I’ve been watching Salem on tv and Bomb Girls on Netflix. Salem is a bit graphic, but I enjoy watching it. Bomb Girls is a good show to watch! It really does a good job with showing how life was for women during WWII. I also love the fashion and hairstyles, so that’s a plus. 🙂

Current Wish/Needs:

• Art supplies.
• A massage.
• Dresses.
• A vacation.

Current Food:

Erm, it’s a bit weird, but I have been having tuna more often lately. I guess that’s the savory part. I’ve gotten a bit creative, and I have been making smoothies in a mini food processor. I can’t wait until I’ll be able to whip out the blender again. 🙂 I’ve also been having oatmeal before bed as well. It really does help me sleep better with a full stomach.

Current Drink:

I’ve been cheating on my beloved Diet Snapple Peach Tea with Diet Snapple Sweet Tea. As you can see, I am a big fan of Snapple. 😉

Current Triumphs:

• Rekindling my love for art.
• Making more time for me.
• Finally being able to do the splits.
• Being able to sleep more. Thank goodness!

 Current Bane of Existence:

So many finals and exams coming up. SO.MUCH.STRESS. I can’t wait until it is all over by the end of May. I can do this.. I can do this..

Current Blogger Crush:

My girl Ashley. She has such a big heart and never fails to make me laugh. I can’t wait until the day I get to meet this chick! We live in the same state, so of course we have to. We’re foodie twins all the way. Oh how many crazy adventures we’d get into if we were roommates.. You should go check out her blog, like right now.

Current Indulgence:

Sleep. I have been lacking a lot of it lately, so I take every advantage I’ve got with naps and sleep. It’s good for the body, so I don’t justify it as being lazy. 😉

Current Blessing:

Being able to do more of what I love even through all of the chaoticness of this month. I did lose myself this year, but I’m slowly finding myself again. 🙂

 Current Outfit:

Still going strong with my love for dresses. They’re my thang, didn’t ya know?

Current Excitement:

School ending at the end of this month! No more stress! Just time for friends, family, excitement, and ME. I am so ready.

Current Link:

I’ve been on Buzzfeed like it’s nobody’s business lately.

Current Mood:

At ease with everything. Pure bliss.

 

I hope you have an amazing day and month. Stay smiling. ❤

 

 

-What are you looking forward to this month?

-What are some of your currently’s?

-What did you do over the weekend?

———————-

Connect with me!

Instagram -> @myhealthlyjourney

Twitter -> @xolovenatalie

Pinterest -> @xolovenatalie

E-mail -> lovenataliemarie@gmail.com

 

I Don’t Know How To React

Happy Thursday! I am going to keep this intro short and sweet to get straight into the thoughts..

Thank you Amanda for hosting! 

1. I got some really bad news yesterday, and to be honest, I don’t know how to react to it. I really don’t want to get into details, but what I found out is going to effect me for the rest of my life. Literally. I couldn’t help by cry right in front of the doctor. I couldn’t even muster out a word to my mom as we walked to the car. I can tell my parents are really concerned, but I don’t even know what to say. I am at a literal loss for words. All I want to do is crawl up into a ball and sleep, but that will do no good. I am trying to stay as positive as I can, but this burden is really weighing down my heart. I have done a lot of praying. I have done a lot of crying. I’m sorry I started out this post so heart heavy. I promise the rest are on the more positive side.

2. To cheer me up, my mom bought me Pho for lunch. Goodness this woman knows me so well. My love for pho is unreal. I mean come on, how can you not love how tasty it is and how it opens you up? I am able to handle more spicier foods now, so my throat and nose are really thanking me for that.

3. I can spend hours upon hours in a bookstore, primarily Barnes n Nobles. I was in there for a good few hours exploring the aisles while drinking some coffee. Doesn’t that sound perfect? To me it does. I finally came across Divergent and am looking forward to diving right into it. Doesn’t the movie come out tomorrow? I’m going to read the book before watching the movie. Who agrees that books are always better than the movie?

4. You guys.. my obsession for Diet Snapple Peach Tea is about to come back. I finally found these again after weeks of looking. Let’s just say I will be taking more frequent trips to the 99 cents store. 😀

5. You know what else I found? Stevia. I have been looking ALL OVER for it and I finally found it at Big Lots! I can’t wait to try it out. What are some things you add Stevia to? Suggestions much appreciated. 🙂

6. I don’t think I am ready for Spring Break to be over. I am grateful for an education, but I am really not looking forward to waking up early and spending 7 hours at school. I know that the work load is going to increase. You know what makes me happy though? I will only have 9 more weeks left of school. HOLLA!

7. I finally started using Snapchat. I mean I downloaded the app a while ago, but I was “too lazy” to take pictures. What am I kidding? I looked like a hot mess every time I got a snapchat. It’s actually pretty fun when you get comfortable with taking random pictures. If anyone wants to snapchat, let me know!

8. You know what else I have been using more lately? Twitter. I have these periods where I go on it for a long time all the time and then it switches to never opening up the app. I have been using it a lot more lately and I don’t really think I will stop any time soon. I have been talking to some pretty cool people on there. You should follow me and tweet me so we can become friends. Okay? 😉

9. I think it is safe to say that Ashley and I would be the perfect roomies. I mean we both live in Arizona, we love roasting veggies (and eating them), peanut butter fanatics, foodie twins, and our personalities are so in sync. What do ya say girl? You up for it? We’d get into some pretty crazy adventures!

10. I’m thinking about cutting my hair short this Summer. Should I or should I not? Opinions are welcome.

I hope you are having an amazing day and week. ❤

-What do you use Stevia in?

-What’s your favorite book? What are you currently reading? 

-What’s your favorite comfort food?

-What’s your snapchat name? Twitter name? 

———————-

Connect with me!

Instagram -> @myhealthlyjourney

Twitter -> @xolovenatalie

Pinterest -> @xolovenatalie

E-mail -> lovenataliemarie@gmail.com

Thinking Out Loud – Blink of an Eye

“Because I’m happy..”

I’m happy because today is Thursday and you know what Thursdays’ mean?

1. Is it just more or did this Thursday come in a blink of an eye? Seriously, it feels like just yesterday I was waking up bright and bushy eyed at 5 a.m. for school. Where is this year going? I mean it’s almost the middle of March! WHAT. Well, at least it means that the weekend is soon upon us. 😉 Always got to think of the positive, right?

2. You guys, I don’t know if you can tell, but I am so flippin’ excited that Spring Break starts tomorrow afternoon! All of this studying for finals tomorrow is frying the heck out of my brain. This girl needs a week off from AP and honor classes. My oh my.. I just hope it gets somewhat easier in the last few weeks of school. Speaking of which.. I can’t believe the year is almost over. I was really thinking about it in class yesterday, and you know those thoughts that just surprise the bajesus out of you? Yeah.. pretty much sums up my reaction.

3. Speaking of Spring Break, I am pretty upset that on Saturday I get to be at school at 9 am for a 3 hour exam instead of sleeping in. I could have gone yesterday and today or tomorrow after school, but my teacher is giving a 10% bonus to our grades if we go Saturday.. Luckily there will be a big breakfast at 8 a.m. so I guess it won’t be so torturous bad.

4. Lately, I’ve been so happy that I am finally able to workout! You don’t even know how good I feel once the endorphin’s kick in and I start sweating like crazy. (Cute image, right?) I just feel so good afterwards. Seriously, it’s like the best feeling ever (besides when I know/see food coming 😉 ). I am not going hardcore at the gym, but I am making use of my weights to do some workouts at home. Primarily Blogilates because I love her attitude and her workouts do challenge me.

5. I went out of my ‘comfort’ zone with food and ate not 1 but 3 of these bad boys. (Not all at once.) They brought back some childhood memories. Oh the joys of treating yourself and making progress.

6. The heat is coming upon Arizona. Already getting up in the 80s. Oh how joyous it will be at 120. Hopefully I move before the Summer or this girl will definitely turn into a lobster. o.o

7. So, I started reading The Color Purple and Ashley.. you were right. I was tearing up like crazy. I don’t think I could handle seeing the movie. It is an amazing read though. I highly recommend it!

8. My hunger is non-stop. I can eat a good ol’ meal yet my stomach feel empty about 20 minutes later. What is this? A faster metabolism? Let’s hope so!

9. Please wish me luck with my exams.. I have studying like crazy. I don’t think this much lack of sleep is good for the body. I’ve maybe gotten about 20 hours this week so far? How am I possibly functioning? Oh right, coffee and endorphins.

10. I love Kitty and Red on That 70s Show. Kitty’s vibrant personality never fails to make me smile along with Red’s “I’m gonna kick you a**” answers. Oh how I love binge watching this show. 😀

I hope you have an amazing day. ❤

-What workouts do you like?

-What is your favorite treat?

-What do you have planned for the weekend?

-How do you deal with the stress from exams?

———————

Connect with me!

Instagram -> @myhealthlyjourney

Twitter -> @xolovenatalie

Pinterest -> @xolovenatalie

E-mail -> lovenataliemarie@gmail.com

Trade ‘Em Up

Ahh, another weekend in the books and a brand new start to a new week. I love the start to a new week, because it brings all new adventures. I’m going to go a new way and go with a Trade Em’ Up (I think that’s what they’re called) like Alex. 🙂

I wouldn’t trade… the amount of determination I had yesterday. Knocked out a few assignments that aren’t due until the end of April. Holla! 😀 This song is appropriate, right? 

I wouldn’t trade… the amount of reading I’ve done lately. Knocking out pages like it’s nobody’s business.

I would trade… cancelled plans. I had a few plans to head out and hang out with some new friends, but the downpour called for rearrangements.

I wouldn’t trade… the beautiful rainy weather Arizona had been having lately.

I wouldn’t trade… easing back into workout. This weekend, I felt good enough to do a Pilates workout to slowly ease back into being more active. Speaking of being more active, I started taking some evening walks and it has brought a lot of clarity.

I wouldn’t trade… my binge watching on Netflix this weekend. I knocked out The Carrie Diaries, The Following, and The B***h in Apt 13.

I would trade… the over thinking that comes to me at night. I don’t know what’s been triggering it, but I have been in shut down mode once I lay in bed to go to sleep.

I wouldn’t trade… the amount of sleep I have been getting lately.

I would trade… my friend, Kalie, being in the hospital. I know she is going through a lot, so my thoughts and prayers are going out to her. ❤

I wouldn’t trade… the time I have been choosing for me. Yes, I may have put off some work, but it was some well needed time that I needed. I put away all of the stresses and just relaxed. School has been hectic as the weeks dwindle down to Spring Break. Typical how the teachers pile everything on before break comes.. *le sigh*

I wouldn’t trade… my Diet Snapple Peach Teas. 😀

I wouldn’t trade… getting the news that I am moving in May. I can’t wait to get to a new area and see my parents start their dream.

I wouldn’t trade… my itch for running coming back.

I would trade… the warmer weather coming back. I’m excited for it to be Spring, but then that’s closer to 120 degree Summer weather. Oh joyous.

I wouldn’t trade.. opening up from shell and meeting a bunch of new people. Seriously, it feels good to meet new people and try new things.

I hope you have an amazing week. ❤

-What wouldn’t you trade?

-What would you trade?

-What did you do over the weekend?

-What are you looking forward to this week?

——————-

Connect with me!

Instagram -> @myhealthlyjourney

Twitter -> @xolovenatalie

Pinterest -> @xolovenatalie

E-mail -> lovenataliemarie@gmail.com