What Have I Been Up Too?

Good morning and happy Monday, everyone! It has been quite some time since I’ve last said that. I know.. I know.. in my last post I said I would be on more, but life got a little hectic. A lot has gone on, and I have been getting the urge to start blogging more again. I guess I needed some time off to, because I felt as if I needed to blog four out of the seven days of the week. Some things have stayed the same, but some things have changed. Hopefully you have a cup of coffee near you (like I do) and let’s catch up. 🙂

1. I got glasses. I am absolutely in love with my glasses. They have such a vintage look to them. I’ve gotten quite a few compliments on them by people I know and random strangers.

2. I have been taking courses online. I personally chose to do this, because I work better on my own schedule. It is far less stressful, and I prefer the one-on-one attention I get whenever needed. The work load is quite big, but I am enjoying my classes, and I enjoy the comfort of being in my own home.

3. I’ve started doing pilates again along with lifting. I began my active lifestyle with pilates. It’s something I know and love. Of course I still love lifting weights, but I also love the creativity with pilates. I’m still working on yoga, but I find pilates more appealing.

4. I have been all about these pancakes lately. I’ve had them quite a few times already, and they are absolutely delicious. I will be posting the recipe tomorrow. 🙂

5. The weather is finally (somewhat) cooling down now, and I have been enjoying walking my dogs in the morning. They were not able to during the warmer months, so they are definitely excited to roam the neighborhood every morning. The only problem is that they are pretty old, so the walks are short and they keep tripping over their own feet. I love to see their excitement as I put on their leashes, though.

6. I’m reaching a point in my life where I am finally achieving balance. I am actually starting to hangout with family, friends, and my boyfriend more. I’m not worried about skipping the gym or about what I am eating. Yes, I am still eating a majority of nutritious foods, but I am not stressing about if I have treats. You guys don’t understand how happy I am to say that. 🙂

7. I’m being more social on Instagram, Snapchat, and Tumblr. If any of you care, my usernames are..

IG: lovenataliemarie

Snapchat: nataliexdarling

Tumblr: creativelyexpressed.tumblr.com

8. I have started driving!

I will start to be more active in the blog world, I promise. I just needed the time away to focus on my life. I’m at a place where I feel I am in control. I’ve missed you all so much, and I want to know what you’ve been up to! Please tell me in the comments below!

Have a fantastic day. ❤

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Connect with me!

Instagram -> @lovenataliemarie

Twitter -> @xolovenatalie

Facebook -> /nataliexdarling

E-mail -> lovenataliemarie@gmail.com

Thinking Out Loud; 5/1

Happy May 1st everyone! 

By now, I think you know that I am no mastermind when it comes to intros. They’re pretty much the bane of my existence. I know it’s good to have that catchy intro to reel you in, but I think the thought of getting to see what is on other people’s mind let’s me overlook the intro, if short. I think I get the same amount of excitement as Amanda when it comes to see what is happening in others lives and how different everyone is in this community. This intro is longer than I expected, haha. Anyways, let’s begin the randomness in

3..

2..

1..

1. My oh my.. I cannot believe that it is already the first to a new month. It seems as if this year is really wizzing by. (Wizzing? Who says wizzing anymore?) We are already a third of the way done of 2014. Is that blowing anyone else’s mind as well? In retro-spect (did I use that term correctly?), I am happy to say that there is only 22 more days of school left. Can I just get an AMEN for that? 😀

2. I have really been craving smoothies lately, but I haven’t been able to make any. I’m in the process of moving, and the blender has already been packed away. I was hoping to make Amanda’s banana bread muffins quick and easy, but I guess I will have to go old fashioned with the whisk and bowl. I know it will be worth it though. I am a fan of thick and creamy smoothies. I’ve never liked really liquidy, water-like smoothies.

3. As promised, I FINALLY finished my mask! It has been a long process, but I finally gotten it to the way I like it. It really did turn out better than I expected.

4. This year, I have met some pretty amazing people. One in particular is my close friend that is in my art class. She is literally like a sister to me. Things have been overwhelming in my life lately, and she has always been here for me. She’s held me when I cried, talked me through some of my deepest problems, been there for ideas/advice, triumphed with me at all the joys. She has always been there. ALWAYS. I know that even when we go our separate ways, we will always stay in each others lives. She’s one hell of a friend.

5. My body is still sore from the workout I did on Monday. I felt like doing leg day, and I kid you not.. in total, I did 1015 reps. Yes, you ready that number right.. 1015! I have been walking a little wonky lately, but I was really feeling the power. I pushed myself farther than I imagined I could. Goes to show how much our bodies are really capable of.

6. I don’t think I’m ready for the weather to reach close to the 100s over the weekend. I’m already getting some serious burn lines from the outlines of my shorts and shirts. I don’t know how I even survive Arizona’s heat. I’m really not looking forward to the close to 120s heat. Oh man.. Pool side for me all summer!

7. I have been having this song on repeat for the past week now. I love it so much. It’s so catchy and I always catch myself singing along to it.

8. In class, we are going to start reading The Road by Cormac McCarthy . I have heard some pretty fantastic reviews about the book. I’m excited to dig my nose into a good book finally (even if it is for school). 🙂

9. I now have to take classes on Saturday mornings until the 24nd. It’s for a good cause, so I can’t complain, but another day at school? Oh my..

10. My goals for May are..

• Do what makes ME happy
• Finish school with good grades
• Work on my yoga poses
• Go out and be social
• Try new things

 

11. Oh, and dresses are my thang now. 😉

 

I hope you have an amazing day and an amazing month! ❤

 

-What are your goals for May?

-What is your favorite smoothie?

-What song has been on repeat for you?

-What’s on your mind?

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Connect with me!

Instagram -> @myhealthlyjourney

Twitter -> @xolovenatalie

Pinterest -> @xolovenatalie

E-mail -> lovenataliemarie@gmail.com

I Need More Weekends Like This One

Hey, hey, hey! 😀

 

I have to say that this weekend was probably the best one I have had in such a long time. This year, I told myself that I would go out more and be social. Well, this weekend holds true to my promise. I wish there was a rewind button I could push to relive it. You’re probably wondering what I did, huh? Well, let me just tell you what was so marvelous about it.

 

Marvelous was… seeing a friend I haven’t seen in two months and meeting two of their friends. I haven’t seen this friend in about a good 6 months, but they moved away for quite some time. I was a bit giddy before we hung out, but I calmed my nerves by watching Whose Line Is It Anyways? Has anyone else seen that show? It’s hilarious! Anyways, back on topic! I was a bit shy at first meeting  their friends, but they welcomed me with open arms. It really helped ease the awkward vibe I set off at first. We couldn’t really decide what to do, but first thing was first, we all needed to eat.

 

Marvelous was… having my first ever Mexican hot dog. Goodness, those things are AMAZING! They are so full of flavor. We went to a set up at a car wash. They all had them before, so they knew what to order while I was just like “Whaaaaaaat?” The hot dog was topped with beans, avocado, onion, bacon, cheese, tomato, and salsa. I chose to omit the mustard and mayo. It was overloaded and everything kept falling out, but it was probably one of the tastiest hot dogs I’ve ever tasted.

 

Marvelous was… going up to the mountains at night. I kid you not, it was the most breathtaking view I have ever seen looking out over Phoenix and Peoria at night. There were only a few stars in the sky and it was a cool night. It was beyond peaceful. It was only us four there, so there were only good vibes there. We sat on the hood of the car and then decided to hike up a bit further and uncovered an even better view. We stayed there from about 9 pm-12:30 am. That was my favorite part of the weekend. I am definitely going back soon.

 

Marvelous was… cruising around at night until 2 in the morning.

 

Marvelous was… spending all of Saturday with my sister. In the morning, we had to pack up some things and take it over to the new house. There, we got ready and then decided to go out to go bowling and have dinner. We picked up her friend Crystal and then went far into Phoenix (close to Scottsdale I think?) and met up with three of her other friends. I like how all of her friends like me a lot, because they see me as a little sister to them. They’re protective of me and look out for me. 🙂

 

Marvelous was… going to Applebee’s for dinner. I haven’t been there in ages! I decided to try something new, so I ordered this grilled chicken and portobello dish with some fries. For an appetizer, they ordered mozzarella chips and the spinach and artichoke dip. I’m addicted to that dip. Seriously so good.

 

Marvelous was… going bowling and winning one game. We played two games. I haven’t been in a while, so I was a bit off on the first game, but I stepped my game up and won the second game. I haven’t spent this much time with my sister in such a long time. She’s usually busy with work while I am usually busy with school. It was nice to spend the day with her.

 

Marvelous was… cleaning out more of my room and packing up some more things. The move is becoming more and more surreal. My room is become more and more bare the more I pack. I found out the official date we’re moving! We’re going to be moving May 10th. I’m so excited. 😀

 

I hope you has just as marvelous of a weekend, and I hope you have an even more amazing week. ❤

 

-What did you do this weekend?

-What’s your favorite restaurant?

-What’s your favorite food?

-Where is your favorite place to go with friends? What do you like to do?

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Connect with me!

Instagram -> @myhealthlyjourney

Twitter -> @xolovenatalie

Pinterest -> @xolovenatalie

E-mail -> lovenataliemarie@gmail.com

Currently – April 2014

Happy April!

I can’t believe that we are already 1/4 of the way done with 2014. That blows my mind. Seriously.. it seems as if New Years was just yesterday! So far, this year has been filled with some pretty crazy events, experiences, and overall feelings. I have kept my head up and staying positive. I am ready to bring on April with a positive and optimistic attitude. I can’t wait to see what this month has in store for me. 🙂

 

 

Current Book:  The Weight of Silence – Heather Gudenkauf

“It happens quietly one August morning. As dawn’s shimmering light drenches the humid Iowa air, two families awaken to find their little girls have gone missing in the night. 

Seven-year-old Calli Clark is sweet, gentle, a dreamer who suffers from selective mutism brought on by a tragedy that pulled her deep into silence as a toddler. Calli’s mother, Antonia, tried to be the best mother she could within the confines of marriage to a mostly absent, often angry husband. Now, though she denies that her husband could be involved in the possible abductions, she fears her decision to stay in her marriage has cost her more than her daughter’s voice.  

Petra Gregory is Calli’s best friend, her soul mate and her voice. But neither Petra nor Calli has been heard from since their disappearance was discovered. Desperate to find his child, Martin Gregory is forced to confront a side of himself he did not know existed beneath his intellectual, professorial demeanor. 

Now these families are tied by the question of what happened to their children. And the answer is trapped in the silence of unspoken family secrets.”

I haven’t gotten the chance to start it yet, but I am going to start tonight. I love starting a new book at the beginning of each other. This one has been on my little library shelf for quite some time now. I think it’s time to crack it open and dive into a new story. 🙂

 

Current Music: Two songs that I have completely fell in love with.

 

Current Guilty Pleasure: Going out with friends to meet new people and try out new things.

Current Nail Color: I actually have my nails painted this month. I wanted to come in with a subtle spring color, and the first color that came to mind was purple. Of course. Purple is my favorite color, so I love loving down at my nails and seeing a pop of color. 

Current Drink: This may come as a surprise to you, but Diet Snapple Peach Diet. Shocker, right? 😉

Current Food: I have been all about oatmeal for breakfast, snack plates for lunch, and quesadillas for dinner! They’re so dang good! Oh come on, you can’t deny that oozing cheese. 😉

 

 

Current Wish List: Leggings, new clothes, chocolate (Yes, chocolate. Resses to be exact.), a massage, a new phone.

Current Needs: I need sleep, leggings, clothes that will fit me (all of them growing to be too big), and some self motivation to help push me through this last hectic quarter of school.

Current Bane of My Existence: All of these projects for school that are compiling up!

Current Indulgence: Taking a lot of time for “me.” I know we should all do that anyways, but with school starting back up, I need more time for me (to stay sane). I have taken up a lot of stretching and yoga, along with Netflix nights, spending more time with family and friends, and just taking in those moments to breathe.

Current Triumphs: Conquering “fear foods” such as Domino’s pizza, thin mint ice cream, gooey cheesy barley, and other delectable goods. I know it may not be the best for me, but knowing I conquered them is pretty damn satisfying. 

Current Blessing: Although I am facing quite a few health issues, I am blessed for the recovery I am taking in order for my body to recovery. Back in the day, I used to flip out if I rested too much. Now, I am enjoying it, because it is helping me mentally with balance and physically with obvious reasons. 🙂

Current Outfit: I’m rockin’ the dark colors right now (unintentionally) while it’s pretty hot outside. Go figure. *eye rolling emoji* I am wearing black basketball shorts (at least I’m wearing shorts, right?) because they are better than jeans and pretty darn comfortable and a dark grey v-neck.

Current Excitement(s): Knowing I have less than two months left of school, moving to my new house soon, becoming more confident and a social butterfly, making new friends, and overall living the life I am living.

Current Mood: Pure and utter bliss.

 

-What are you currently reading?

-What’s your current music of choice? 

-What are you excited about? Triumphant about? Blessed about?

-What are you indulging in?

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Connect with me!

Instagram -> @myhealthlyjourney

Twitter -> @xolovenatalie

Pinterest -> @xolovenatalie

E-mail -> lovenataliemarie@gmail.com

Going Out of My Comfort Zone

Yesterday marked the end to my Spring Break, but today marks the day of a whole new week. Granted, I wouldn’t mind having another week off (I mean who wouldn’t? 😉 ), but I am ready to get back into the groove of things. I guess it can’t be that bad since I only have 9 weeks left. That is even counting this week! Woo hoo! I have to say, I am really happy with my Spring Break. I ventured out and started being a social butterfly. Who would’ve thought?

Marvelous was.. finding out that the sale of the house was finalized and that I am already starting to pack. It’s official you guys. I will be moving (slowly but surely) starting next weekend. It’s sad to see my room slowly getting emptier and emptier, but I am glad to be moving to a new area. Don’t get me wrong, I like the area I am in now, but I am ready for a new adventures. Plus, the new house isn’t so bad. 😉

Marvelous was.. seeing Need For Speed over break. I don’t know what it is, but I have always been a fan of watching races. Maybe it’s the adrenaline rush? Maybe it’s the competition? Maybe it’s the heart stopping intensity? Maybe it’s seeing the happiness of the winner? I don’t know what it is, but I really like it. I have to say, it doesn’t top my love for Fast & Furious. I mean come on now.

Marvelous was.. reading Divergent. In one day. I read it in less than 5 hours. That is really telling you something. It sucked me in right from the beginning. I promised myself that I would read the book before seeing the movie. It’s safe to say that I will be more than likely seeing the movie next weekend. I have heard some good reviews so I am pretty happy about that. I can’t wait to read the rest of the  series. I have a pretty strong feeling that it will be just as good.

Marvelous was.. getting in a really (and I mean REALLY) good lower body workout. I love training my lower body more than anything. It is much stronger than my upper body. My calves are still sore. o.o

Marvelous was.. Spending a good amount of my time Snapchatting people. Nobody told me it would be that fun. I guess you could say my dislike for taking pictures is slowly fading. 😉

Marvelous was.. being able to share the “Carb Queen” title with the lovely Amanda and Heather. 🙂

Marvelous was.. sleeping over at my best friends house. Lately, we have been hanging out more often and I am really enjoying it! We playing Mario Kart Racing, Mario Party 9, watched Veronica Mars, ate some pizza, tried out a new-to-us restaurant called BJs and had an amazing sandwich that had toast rye bread + melted cheese + grilled chicken + lettuce + bacon + avocado + tomato + a chipotle sauce. My mouth was in heaven!

Marvelous was.. knocking out homework for a class for the rest of the year. Let’s just say a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. 😀

I hope everyone had a marvelous weekend and has an even more amazing week. ❤

-What did you do this weekend?

-What’s your favorite restaurant?

-What good eats have you ate lately?

-What are your plans for the upcoming week?

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Connect with me!

Instagram -> @myhealthlyjourney

Twitter -> @xolovenatalie

Pinterest -> @xolovenatalie

E-mail -> lovenataliemarie@gmail.com