Today is Mother's Day! I love my mom so much. She is such an amazing person with a really good heart. She is a wonderful example to me. Plus sometimes she's hilarious.
Like that one time she wore my snapback. Seriously she's the best. I am really lucky to have her as my Mom.
Something people may not know about me is that I have two Moms! In a way, I feel grateful and happy that I have an angel in heaven watching over me plus one here on earth. Just so it's out of the way, my mom passed away when I was 3 from breast cancer. I didn't get to spend much time with her sadly, but it just makes me so excited to see her again later. I know it's no mistake that I have two moms, and I feel really blessed to have so much love from them both.
So I just want to say happy mothers day to all the women in my life! That includes my mothers, second mothers (i.e. Mamma Behr), aunts, friends, church leaders, and to all the other inspirational women in my life - regardless if you have children or not.
I was on Facebook today and saw this amazing video and I really felt I had to share. It's done very tastefully and gets a strong message across. We all know we use technology wayy too much for our own good. Yet we become desensitized to it and perceive it as normal. I really like this quote.
Sad fact is that apparently Einstein didn't actually say this (awkward)....read here....but disregard that for the most part, because the message is legit!
I've thought about limiting my technology intake, but I feel like the only way to do it is by going cold turkey...and I really don't think that would work that well. Technology is useful, but needs moderation. That's clearly a thing that this generation lacks, myself included.
I also love how in the video the guy talks about how ridiculous it is to give our kids iPad's and the like to keep them occupied. He says "It's not very likely you'll make 'World's Greatest Dad', if you can't entertain a child without using an iPad." Just think about that. I've always kind of been bugged when I see parents doing that (not that I can judge, because I don't have kids and don't know what it's like to be in the parents' situation), but I would like to find some alternative to giving your kids technology to shut them up.
I feel like if that keeps on happening, our future and current children will have short attention spans, lack social abilities, and become impatient, lacking self-restraint. That's just me, but it makes me a bit worried for the future. Plus I don't want to be the mom to have a child who is the only one without a phone at age 7 or something. Obviously I want them to be happy, but at what expense? Is it really necessary for a kid that young to have their own phone? Probably not. Serious side note though...porn is a real thing, and if your kid has their own phone from such a young age, they can be exposed way easier to it. And the effects of that kind of thing are detrimental, especially when that's all they know.
Anyway, I'm digressing. Just watch below. It'll give you a paradigm shift.
If you don't know, I'm a psychology major. Plus I'm very interested in health. Put two and two together and this is what you get. It's so important to keep your brain active...especially by doing different things. If you just do crosswords everyday, that's good to an extent, but you're only using one area of your brain. It's important to workout many areas of it. My aunt is big into brain health, and in fact, she has a website she's re-doing right now. You should totally check it out though! She has a lot of great information and some awesome games and apps. But either way you should click here to try out a game for free! It's from a website called BrainHQ. PS, you don't necessarily have to sign up - you can just click 'skip' instead.
Favourite Summer Reminder:
Summer is almost here!!! And this picture just makes me think of summer days at the beach. Although those will not be too common for me (living in the city and working almost everyday this summer), I still like to dream! And I'm hoping to make at least one trip this season!
Favourite Living Room:
This reminds me of Mindy Lahiri's apartment in The Mindy Project (funniest show ever). It's so cute and fresh with all the colours and furniture. Although it's not all that practical for men to live in...so might as well do it while you're young! ;)
Favourite Summer Treat:
Freak this looks AMAZING!!!! S'moreos - I'm going to make this happen sometime...some holiday or birthday so I can actually eat it!
Love you all and seriously, thank you for actually stopping by! You are all gems! ;)
This week I've been thinking mostly about working out, my sister's wedding, Easter, and finals. Most of the initial ones are because I've been trying to avoid thinking about finals. Finals really just suck. But hey, that's not what we're here to talk about! Instead, let's talk about happy things, shall we?!?!
On to my favourite five of the week,
Favourite Treat:
Gluten Free Banana Bread Oatmeal Bars. Although I'm not eating "dessert" right now, I still like to look at dessert on Pinterest. Although, I'm not 100% sure if these would count as dessert? Thoughts?? I feel like when I say I'm not eating dessert, it means not any refined sugar or chemicals, or generally things made with mostly white flour. Let me know your thoughts! Because I'd really like to give these puppies a taste-test! Find the recipe here. She also says in the above that she made it with a mixture of white and whole wheat flour and it turned out good top, so you might want to try that! You could probably just do oat flour entirely too. So many options, I love it!!
Favourite Quote:
I've actually been thinking about this recently. I wish it was normal for people to be entirely honest about how the feel.
Favourite Pretty:
Gah! This outfit is so classy! I love the nude pumps, trench coat, fresh cut tulips, and striped dress. Makes me think of spring! Although...a much warmer one than we're having currently.
Favourite Wedding Tip:
I've loved this blog for about 2 years now. This girl does the most beautiful makeup I have legit ever seen. I'm hoping that when I get married I can afford to fly her to me! ;) A girl can dream! Anyway, since my sister is getting married in a little under 2 weeks, we've been constantly thinking about wedding things. This post give AMAZING wedding tips, plus a tutorial! Score!
Favourite Fitness Post:
I was talking to my soon-to-be brother in law last night about how I get frustrated when people eat whatever they want and still manage to get ripped or toned. I love dessert and yet I feel like when I eat it, it automatically turns to fat in my body, whereas it barely affects other people (slight exaggeration). But he reminded me that a big part of it has to do with metabolism. And what's a great way to increase it (other than drinking water!)? Never underestimate the power of lifting weights! This post explains it perfectly!
Did you guys see my tasty Mexican treat?!? I'm not even bragging (mostly because I didn't come up with the base recipe), but it is for real soo tasty! And it only takes like 10 minutes max to make. Just do it. You won't regret it.
So it's that time again, hump day!! You've made it halfway through the week, so you might as well enjoy it!
Favourite Hairstyle:
Reese Witherspoon is beautiful! Ever since i was little and saw Legally Blonde, I wanted to be like her. And this hair!! Ah! So pretty. Unfortunately there's no tutorial that I can find, soo I may end up making one. We'll see!!
Favourite Houseware:
How beautiful is this table?! It makes me think of the beach, but it also looks like it could be used in a variety of environments. I love pretty wood. I know that's so random, but I do. That's what happens when you grow up with a Father who's a general contractor!
Favourite Swimsuit:
Speaking of beaches....I want to go!! This nice weather that's currently hit makes me want summer now! But I'm actually really happy that it's warm at all. Now, anyone want to donate to my anthropologie fund? It's only $120! ;)
Favourite Flowers:
Something about flowers just brightens my mood. I really love them. Although I'm not a huge "roses girl". I like anything bright and cheery. And daffodils! I had these in my backyard when I lived in Ontario and I loved them!!
Favourite Quote:
You guys know I love quotes. And I also really love Audrey. She's smart, funny, and pretty. Of course I look up to her!
I have to apologize. I've been so bad at keeping up with posts lately. That happens in life sometimes! But better late than never right?! So here is your weekly break! Enjoy. :)
Favourite Quote:
Mother Teresa is seriously a gem. I wish I could've known her!
Favourite Smile:
This totally makes me think of my sister! She's been teaching English in Korea since August annnddd she's coming home in 20 days!! I'm incredibly excited to see her beautiful face!!
Favourite Wedding Idea:
Speaking of sisters! The reason my sister is coming home from Korea is because my other beautiful sister is getting married!! Holy crap! I can't believe it's almost the day! Less than a month now. But anyway, there's something about globes that I find intriguing. I seriously love this idea for a guestbook!
HELLO BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE! Thanks for stopping by! I quickly just want to thank everyone who has read my post on loving yourself/body and being kind to it and to others. It's my most popular post yet! It makes me so happy that people care about what I have to say and are getting something from it! You guys are the best!!
Now onto the business of the day. But not really business - it's actually fun! My favourite five of the week!! Woo!
Favourite Knowledge:
Seriously! Do it!
Favourite New Band:
TWIN FORKS! I went to see Phillip Phillips last night and they were the openers. Blew my mind. So talented. Plus I talked to them briefly after and they were super chill and genuine - very grateful for their fans. They've only been around for about a year, but I expect them to get big soon. Check em out!!
Favourite Snack Idea:
What, what!? Homemade fruit roll ups!! It's like my childhood!
Favourite Escape:
Currently we're having a second winter. Not cool mother nature. So I like to dream of places like this:
I'd be down for Bermuda.
Favourite Quote:
I think most of us have heard some variation of this before, but it's true. Celebrate the little successes. And when things are less than ideal, think about how you're growing. :)
Seem like a bold statement? In all honesty, that's a hard thing for me to admit. It is a foreign phrase for me. I have a beautiful body.
I'm all for positive body image. But as much as I am an advocate for it, I kind of feel like a hypocrite sometimes. I'm learning too though. I think it's easy to just say "everyone is beautiful!" without really meaning it. When you see someone overweight walking down the street, do you judge them? Do you see someone with a thigh gap and skinny legs and judge them? Do you judge people based on their weight? I'm willing to bet that the majority of us have done this. I'll even admit to it. And especially having to admit it online, I feel terrible about it. Why do we do it?
I'm sure there's more to it than we realize, but this is the best explanation I can come up with. I think it's a perpetual cycle. We are hypnotized by the media. We love to see beautiful people. But the thing is that usually aren't seeing real people. Although I'm sure you all know about photoshop. Yet, despite our knowledge, it still affects us. I think that when what we constantly see around us and in the media is one way (ie. toned, skinny, curvy - whatever we aren't), we subconsciously take it in and compare ourselves.
I hate to break it to you, but homeslice over here isn't even that hot. He's attractive in both pictures, I think, but the one on the left creates an unrealistic expectation.
Also, Kourtney didn't even look as good as the magazine cover made her look! Just look at the placement of her left arm in both pictures. That's absurd. I actually hate to think that they photoshopped her baby in any way. That baby is a perfect little guy, and there is definitely NO need to retouch him. I digress though. Ladies, if you are post-preggers right now, please cut yourself some slack!
ALSO! If you exercise, do it because you want to show your body LOVE! Because your body deserves to be healthy! Not because you "need to lose weight" or because you think that your body isn't good enough.
You might think this is a Fit Friday post, but it's not, and that's because I want you to try something new. I'll be doing it to, right along with you!
I challenge you all to do something. Well, three things, but I'll start off with this one. I want you to start being consciously aware of what is going through your filter of attention and realize how it is affecting you negatively. Identify what it is that is directly and exactly affecting you. We say the "media", but what does that mean to you? For example, if you catch yourself looking at magazines that are full of toned, skinny, or curvy people, stop it. You don't need to compare yourself to anyone (more than we already do - which we shouldn't!), especially superficial and retouched people. Or worse, those body-bashing magazines. I hate seeing those in the grocery store line up. What worse way to teach us to love ourselves, than to see people making money by hating on other people's bodies, and saying things like "You won't believe who this is!", "Top 10 WORST Bikini Bodies", or "Cellulite Alert!" You can't expect to love yourself when you constantly criticize and find flaws in others. You could even flip those magazine covers over so that you and other people don't have to look at them.
Challenge number two: I want you to start looking for the good in other people. Men and women. Compliment them! Receiving a compliment is an amazing way to cheer someone up and make them feel more confident. Plus, studies show that people like people who compliment them! Duh! You'll make more friends this way. Who could say no to that?! And next time you're with your friends and you see someone who you think doesn't measure up, zip your lips! You have no right to judge them. Instead, replace that mean comment with a positive one! If your friend starts saying something negative, reply with something positive about that person. You don't need to chastise your friend. Just lead by example. If you're by yourself and you hear yourself think a negative thought about someone, be aware of it, forgive yourself, and replace it with something positive. The more you do it, the better you'll become!
Third and final challenge: Change the way you talk to yourself. Either the way you talk outwardly or the way you think about yourself. Watch the video below. When these women started talking positively about themselves, it became contagious. There was so much joy. When you compliment yourself and others, you will be happy! Even watching this video and hearing these women talk so positively made me smile. Start telling yourself that you have a beautiful body. Say it everyday, until it becomes no longer foreign to you. Say it with me right now, I have a beautiful body!
Now watch this video please!!
Now remember that, and you can change the way you think about yourself! You are beautiful, m'kay?
I want to know, what do you love about your body? And, when do you feel the most beautiful/handsome? I'll start. I love my legs, especially my thighs! I realize that may be really random, but they are strong and beautiful. Also, I love my hair! You can love more than one thing!! I feel the most beautiful when I am helping others or laughing.
Let me know your answers and what you think in the comments below!
Happy Humpday friends! You may have noticed that I didn't post last Wednesday. Well I intended to, and I made this post, but then Blogger did something wonky, and it didn't show up. I finally figured it out though!
Alright! You've made it halfway through the week, so how about a break? M'kay! Sit back, relax, and enjoy my favourite five this week.
Favourite recipe:
Holy yum! These are super easy and look way tasty. Plus they have avocados, which are a really healthy (not to mention tasty) fat! Bonus! I would just switch to a whole wheat tortilla, because it keeps me full longer.
Favourite destination:
Santorini, Greece. TAKE ME THERE! I would love to escape the cold right about now.
Favourite funny:
I know we all hate Juan Pablo now, but this was hilarious!
Hope those of you who have Reading Week right now are living it up! I love not having to worry about school (for the most part....I have 2 take home exams to write, but their really not that bad)! I went to Calgary for the weekend to visit my beautiful aunt and uncle! They are so kind. And hospitable...I love that word for some reason, haha. We all just relaxed together. I got to sleep in, and they made me breakfast (seriously soooo great!), and then we did things like watch movies and sports, go hot tubbing, go to church and hold cute babies, and shopping! It was honestly so relaxing! I'm so grateful. I totally felt lazy though! I'm so not used to it. I always had this nagging feeling that I should be helping to make dinner, and clean up breakfast, and do other things, but for the most part it was already taken care of! That's what happens when there's two momma's in one kitchen! I did try to help out a bit though. Anyway, here's a few photo's from my trip!
As we were driving down, we saw the most beautiful harvest moon! It was big, bright orange and just above the horizon....not that you can tell from this picture. It sort of looked like this, just with a darker background.
On our drive to church, we saw those gorgeous mountains! I seriously love them! And the clear blue sky! Ah, I feel so blessed!
While we were shopping, my Dad and I stopped at La Prep for lunch. Oh my! It was delicious!! I couldn't even finish it all, but I seriously wanted to! Those salads were so fresh, and the panini was so savoury. :)
I had fun at CrossIron Mills ;)
My Aunt made the tastiest salad when we came home from shopping!! Candied pecans, strawberries, blueberries, romaine lettuce, with a poppyseed dressing.
We had it with super delicious chicken!
And then, sadly, we said goodbye. :( It was beautiful there though! Those mountains!! Ah, I'm in love with them.
While we were driving out of Calgary, I saw this sign, and it made me smile! I'm glad that people advertise doing good things for others. I know I forget to sometimes when I get so busy!
And before we left, we had to stop at Peter's Drive-In...obvs. It's tradition!
Love it here.
Feel free to watch this riveting round of Head's Up! But seriously though, I LOVE this game! And you gotta give my mom props, she rocked it!
BUT ANYWAY!! Hopefully you didn't get bored of my Calgary photos. It's time for my favourite five!! Woooo!
Favourite Quote:
I don't know the Bible as well as I'd like to, but I do love this scripture. Just trust. :) God has your best interests at heart.
Favourite Truth:
Seriously me sometimes! Haha.
Favourite Treat:
Okay guys, c'mon, how dang good do these sound?! Reese's White Chocolate Brownie Whoopie Pies. Almost as good as these Red Velvet Cheesecake Pancakes! OR these too. :) Find the recipe here.
Favourite Man Outfit:
This guy looks fantastic! All I have to say is that more men should dress like this. Or at least get a fitted suit. I think I speak for all women when I say, a fitted suit is dannng attractive.
Favourite Kitchen:
Beauty! A girl can dream, right?
Hope you all are doing well!! Thanks for taking the time to stop by! You are all beautiful people!
