Be kind to yourself

   

   I'm sure everyone is familiar with the expression 

"You are your own worst enemy", and from personal experiences, it couldn't be any more true. I find it difficult at times to keep my mind from wondering, my chin from falling, or my heart collapsing from negative thoughts. I have discovered that sometimes it's hard to just let go of things, and move forward, we tend to be like helicopters, constantly hovering over things. I've watched some pretty amazing souls put themselves down, from finances to future, and life in between. I've watched some of the most beautiful people struggle with their insecurities, while also listening to some of the strongest hearts crumble from hurt or guilt. We all have the potential to be so hard on ourselves sometimes, and rarely acknowledge that we are all so much more than we believe.Another expression I believe to ring true, and that is"Attitude is everything." It makes perfect sense when you think about it, the mind is a powerful thing, and sometimes a good mindset is hard to come by. In hope to make the world a happier place, I'm going to share a few things that I have found to be most helpful in balancing out my equilibrium.

Watch, do, or think of something that makes you laugh.

   My favorite laugh sessions stem from funny movies or shows, my favorite at the moment being Modern Family.  I enjoy good, clean, fun from stand up comedies, silly sarcasm from Someecards, and humorous pictures I stumble upon online. 

It's almost imperative that I reach for a laugh when I'm feeling the blues.Laughter is truly the best medicine, and you've got a full set of chompers to show off.

Be a people, person.

    Surround yourself with positive people who believe in you and encourage your dreams. Don't let anyone dim your shine or put you down, because people like that only want to see you fail. Say goodbye to the bummers and hold your heads high buttercups. Each and every one of you deserves the best, don't ever forget that. 

Accept life's little lessons.

   I used to think being clumsy was a disorder, but now I'm finding out that it's actually a test life throws my way, about 10 times a day. I lock my keys in my car like it's going out of style, fall up stairs, trip, and drop objects like it's my day job.

It's easy to become negative nancys when we want to be, and my turning point was when  I was told that, "It is not what happens to you, it's how you react to it that defines you", definite eye opener. It's much easier to drop an F bomb or blame the nearest person around you, but that only makes you look like a mean sailor. Laugh at yourself. rub your booboos, and thank that sharp table corner for your new banana bruise tattoo.

L.I.F.E G.O.E.S O.N.

Embrace your flaws.

   I guarantee the most intelligent, beautiful, physically blessed, human beings struggle with personal battles we couldn't even imagine having to deal with. Best bet, be weary, kind, and happy, for those around you. Jealousy is the ugliest trait of them all.

I've learned that by acknowledge beauty in others, you discover beauty in yourself. Give compliments frequently, change the things you don't like about yourself, and be happy for what you've been given. Compared to a majority of the world, you are very well off, so use what you have, with what you've been given, no matter where you go!

 Beat brain ninjas

Overthinking: The creation of problems that never existed in the first place, and get you absolutely no where productive. The brain tends to have a mind of its own (pun intended), but with a little positive thought, you can turn those negative ninjas around. It's believed that if you hear, or repeat, something 3 times, you're mind starts to believe it. So start the trio of positive words, and BELIEVE.

You are an amazing human being, you are an amazing human being, you ARE an AMAZING human being. 

 Take life day by day, that's really all you can, and are expected, to do.

Believe in something, anything.

"Nothing is impossible, the word itself says I'm possible"

Get lost.

Whether it's in a book, your head phones, good conversation, intense workout, nap, or prayer, escaping reality is healthy, embrace your imagination.

Let love in.

   We've all been hurt by someone we care about, and sometimes we can't understand where things went wrong. The worst thing to do is linger on the issue, or blame yourself. You have to accept the things you can't change, take a deep breath, and just let go. When one door closes, another always opens, and you'll be surprised one day. Things will naturally fall apart, just to fall together again, and someone will step into your life and make you realize why it didn't work out with all the others. Just because you got hurt, doesn't mean you give up, so have FAITH, HOPE for the best, and LOVE with all of your heart. 

Don't picture being single as being alone, but as a time to "do you booboo!"

Discover things about yourself, find out what you want in life, and with what kind of person you want to share it with, because it's much easier to be happy with someone else when you're happy with yourself. 

The beat goes on

   I haven't written a music post in a while, and since I constantly post music videos or lyrics to my social networks, I thought I'd give it a rest...by taking it out else where! Here are a few bands that have consumed my playlist lately....happy humming!

Phantogram
http://phantogrammusic.virb.com/

I stumbled across their performance at Lollapalooza this year, and It was love at first sound. I always get a real kick out girl-guy duets and electronic funk. Mouthful of diamonds, Let me go, and Turn it off are a few favorites.

She&Him
http://www.sheandhim.com/#/splash

The ever so adorable Zooey Dechannel sings lead vocals in this folk inspired duet, which consist mostly of an indie-folk vibe. I'm obsessed with the cover they did of I put a spell on you, but the winner for me is Thieves.

Foster the people
http://www.fosterthepeople.com/us/home

This was another unfamiliar band I stumbled across at Lollapalooza, I'm sure most everyone has heard Pumped up kicks, which is an extremely catchy tune in my opinion. Lately though, I'm all about Helena beat.

Edward sharp & the magnetic zeroes
http://edwardsharpeandthemagneticzeros.com/

I heard this band playing at work and immediately did my lyric research as to who it was. (SHAZAAM!) I'm very fond of the song Home, it's probably as close to country as I will ever willingly admit, but it is by far not a country band...have a listen!

Robots in disguise
http://www.robotsindisguise.co.uk/

A friend of mine kept posting intriguing lyrics on Twitter, so I did a little google research and discovered the interesting vibe of this band. Slightly risqué, but fun and electronic none the less. She's a color scientist and The sex has made me stupid are curiouser and curiouser.

M83

Electronic, mellow, sentimental....yes, please. We own the sky is beautiful and relaxing.

Feist

Is good at her job. The older stuff is still my personal preference, but I really connected with Get it wrong, get it right from her new album Metals, so humbling.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs

I just really like how fun and easy this band is to sing to. I'm hooked on Hysteric. 

An horse

I've only heard the song by them Dressed sharply, but I sing it religiously in my head. That has to count for something. 

Reptar

Not in association with the Nickelodeon cartoon, Rugrats. Stuck in my ID is neat-o.

Fall Festivities

   I go back and fourth when people ask me what my favorite season is, they all have fun festivities associated with them. It's hard to beat the outdoor activities associated with summer, such as the beach, but it gets uncomfortably hot at times. Winter is lovely, and immediately makes me think of family and holiday fun, but sometimes it's a little too chilly for my liking. I'm indecisive, I know, but I've come to the conclusion that fall is where my heart is. It's just cool enough to feel comfortable and bust out a light hoodie, but just warm enough to feel the sun on your face, without the third degree burn. Much like summer and winter, fall brings fourth an array of exciting activities. Here are a few of my favorites...

Bonfires/Smore's

What better way to enjoy a breezy fall night, than to snuggle up with a blanket or light jacket, and enjoy some yummy smores or warm cider. 

I also love the idea of an outdoor theatre, maybe watch some scarys to get in the mood for Halloween! 

Hiking

Now that's it's not 100 degrees outside, you don't have to be as concerned about a heat stroke. I went hiking last week and it was absolutely breath taking, literally, because I had not been in forever. The hike went by so fast when i was spending the time catching up with my good friend, and observing the beautiful change in color the leaves had gone through. The  weather was  the epitome of perfection, and I did my body good. 

Nature!!

Bikram Yoga

Intense, 90 minute, sauna style yoga, for all ages, sizes, and gender. It's hard, but worth every drop of sweat. It is perfect for an early morning or late afternoon activity, when the temperature starts to drop and you need to warm up and work out. 

Picnic

A great activity to do with your friends or loved one. Throw down a blanket over a pile of leaves, and enjoy a thermos of warm coffee or tea. 

Bike ride

I'm not exactly sure when it's a bad time to ride a bike, but I always associate it with coolness of fall. Throw some water or snacks into your basket and ride off into the sunset. 

Baking

It's so much fun to get creative with baking in the fall because there are so many cute ideas and yummy recipes, not to mention more mouths to feed between family/friends. Whether it's apple pie or pumpkin cookies, have fun getting down and dirty in the kitchen.

(aren't those pilgrim hat cookies adorable?)

Pumpkin carving/Decorating

I don't care how old I am, I will carve a pumpkin every year, for the rest of my life, in light of Halloween. I always have so much fun getting creative with my carving, and enjoy seeing what fun ideas everyone else comes up with. Aside from carving, there is also the many recipes to be made using pumpkin, such as drying out the seeds and baking them in the oven.

(recipe soon to come)

Decorating your living space

I love walking inside a friends house and smelling pumpkin spice candles, while observing their means of holiday decoration. It makes me feel like a little kid again and reminds me that there is always something fun to look forward to.

(All pictures were borrowed from Pinterst)

What are your favorite fall activities?

Side note: This song has been stuck in my head all day, happy humming<3

Burst of inspiration

This is literally what my head feels like right now!

Thoughts: My last semester of community college is just around the river bend, and I'm honest in saying that I've worked diligently towards my newly awarded "ASS" degree in Science and Liberal arts. Furthering my education is the next step on my imaginary ladder of life, and the process has been an exciting, yet grueling one. I'm about to embark in the hardest stretch of education I'm leaning toward, while trying not to lose myself and passions along the way. (so far so good) Now don't get me wrong, I'm very excited to pursue a career as a dental hygienist, good oral hygiene is real, but I'll be honest in saying that it is not my absolute favorite thing in the world. My favorite thing, besides jalapenos, is creativity, and I've been dying to get my hands on more projects and creations. In trying to focus a majority of my attention on school and grades, I've had very little time to experiment, but with that being said, I do the best with what I have, when I have it, wherever I may be, so this is by far not a complaint. My current obsession, for creative sanity, is Pinterest, and if you are unaware of what Pinterest is, I encourage you to stop reading, and google it ASAP.....

Welcome back! Neat stuff huh?

There are so many wonderful recipes/ideas for your home, health, and overall happiness. I've got to play around with a few ideas, and they have all turned out great, not to mention it was wicked fun in doing so! Aside from Pinterest, I've made a short list of crafty goals I'd like to accomplish in this life/near future.
I highly recommend the same to you, nothing is more inspiring than written ideas!

* Learn how to sew, and reward myself with my own machine. 

* Reinvent my high school fashion line with my modern day perspective. 

* Redo the color scheme in my room.

* Get more familiar with photography, to create my own pictures for my blog.

* Take a cooking/baking/music class...because learning is fun.  

* Record a few of my favorite cover songs, for my own entertainment.
* Scrapbook/Cardmaking 

What are some things you'd like to do? I'd love to hear them!

Brittney LooWho

Cookie Monster

Chocolate chip cookie stuffed with Oreo love

I recently saw this recipe online, and since I adore Oreos, decided it was a must that I  try it out for myself. Chocolate chip cookie with an Oreo in it? Yes, every time. This is extremely easy, as well as tasty, so beware you don't turn into the cookie monster, you've been warned.

You need:

1 box of Oreos

        2 tubes of cookie dough

(1 tube only uses about 1/2 the Oreo box)

Baking sheet

Sweet tooth

($9 or less)

Any chocolate chip cookie dough will work, as well as Oreo flavor. I chose plain double stuffed Oreos, for double the flavor, double the fun. This was my first time, so I didn't think to experiment, but I bet mint Oreos would be fun for Christmas. 

Step one:

Pre-heat oven and prepare cookie sheet according to the instructions on your cookie dough package.

 Step two:

While oven is preheating, take a small amount of cookie dough,roll it into a ball, then flatten it out with both hands. Place cookie in the center of the flattened dough and fold dough over the edges of the Oreo. Take another small amount of dough and repeat, placing the dough on the uncovered part of your cookie. You want to make sure to completely cover your Oreo, but not to drown it in cookie dough. Place cookies in the oven for 10-15 minutes, depending on desired color and texture.

Step three:

Take cookies out of oven and inspect. The top of mine were a little doughy so I popped them back in the oven for a couple extra minutes, which did the trick.

 Let cookies cool, enjoy the way they make your house smell, and prepare a glass of milk because this is about to get good.

That is absolutely it, I told you it was super easy! (and dangerously delicious) 

They look like little UFO's right?

Cabivore

When reaching for a good bread or cereal, I find myself stupidly glancing at the first ingredient, also the most abundant ingredient in a product, wondering what the difference from one to the next is. Enriched,refined,whole grain, whole wheat...they all sound so nice, but which one is the best? With the assistance of my growing nutrition education, I'm going to help break it down for you.
 (Further bettering my understanding as well)

Enriched flour/grain- Enriched foods are foods that lost nutritional value while being processed, but have nutrients added  back to them before being sold to you, such as iron,niacin,foliate...cool stuff like that.
Refined grain/flour- Basically the removal of all the big, mostly nutritional parts, and leaving the smaller, somewhat nutritional parts, by modification through mixing and bleaching. Not entirely the whole package deal.
Unbleached flour- Refined, "toyed with", but not bleached. It is as important in nutritional value as white flour (which is near to nothing)
Wheat flour- the most popular of flour, is ANY type of flour from wheat, including white,wheat,and whole wheat.
White flour- The worst flour, yet all purpose flour, is also the best flour for baking, but has been stripped and bleached, talk about identity crisis! We all know the nutritional value of a cupcake, so needless to say, try to avoid as much as humanly possible.
Whole grain flour- WHOLE GRAIN FOODS PROVIDE THE MOST NUTRIENTS AND FIBER THAN ENRICHED FOODS. Whole grains are in their simplest form, the best kind of grain form.
Whole wheat flour- Not refined, made from whole wheat.
Brown bread- A sneaky devil, has the possibility of being made with whole-grain flour, but most brown breads consist of white flour colored brown.

*Tip:  Be selective in your cereals and breads by choosing those with the least amount of sugar, and higher nutritional perks, BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY, select those that are made with whole grains (oats,wheat,rye, etc.) The word WHOLE(nothing is lost in the process of preparation) should come in front of the word GRAIN (good for you stuff) Also, incorporate a bread/cereal that will give you 2 to 3 grams of fiber per serving, for health, and for fullness.

Conclusion:
Unenriched white bread-WORST
Enriched white bread-BETTER
Whole-grain bread-BEST OF THE BEST


My favorite bread: Ezekiel 100% Whole grain,flour less, organic. Pop it in your freezer,lasts forever, one slice is as filling as a hamburger...well it's pretty filling.