Forever Since An Update!

Happy summer, y'all! I miss blogging!

Pre-Nursing Student

(CNA class in Raleigh last week... knocking out a pre-req requirement)

Shock-er! This girl is going back to school... for nursing! Haha, that's right- apparently everyone saw it coming but me. :p

Growing up, I had people tell me I'd make a great nurse to which I'd just laugh with an attitude that said, "Thanks but I don't think I could handle all those needles."

So, nursing did pass through my brain but I didn't seriously begin considering it until this past May.

I graduated The Institute of Integrative Nutrition in March (loved it!) which led me to a cross-road... Take on more health coaching clients while continuing to work on my degree OR possibly something else....

I love the health care field. It must be in my "blood", pun-intended. LOL So the desperate journey of "deciding" which track of health care got thrown up in the air this past May. I'd had been dead set on Registered Dietitian since last fall which seemed to fit perfectly with this last year of nutrition school!

"No-- I am not switching tracks, God. I've got this covered!" said the fearful of the future me.

The decision process for nursing has been one of the most stressful and exciting things I've ever done in my life! I bought books on nursing, watched videos online, talked to dozens (literally!) of people who ares nurses themselves, researched schools, went and toured one of the top nursing programs in the state at MU, tried to talked myself about of it, and prayed.

Haha...

That's right, this process wasn't a crystal-clear decision I felt like I supposed to make, or maybe it was--- because I had such a hard time with it and couldn't shake off "feeling" that kept telling me I should consider the possibility.

I wrestled with this idea, like I often do when God is telling me he has something better for me than my own plans that are neatly laid out in my head. "No, God- I've been working towards becoming a Registered Dietitian this whole last year. You know I love food and the nutrients inside crazy things like bananas and walnuts-- hey! I just finished up a year long nutrition certification! Plus you didn't make me to be a quitter so I'm going to finish. I'm getting my BS in Food and Nutrition from University of Alabama and then applying for my internship, going to help lots of people and really love this job. I've done all the research. I'm good. But, thanks God!"

I didn't say those exact words, but with my "I've got this all figured out" attitude I think that's what I communicated which didn't leave me open to God's direction for a possible better fit for my life, gifts and what He wants me to do.

God tapped me on the shoulder, and led me through experiences until I was at the "Ok, Jesus- if you'll help me" moment.

Switching tracks, and taking the mental steps to gear up for nursing school has been extremely hard for me. Taking the mental steps to gear up for nursing school and realizing I may not have a life for the next 2-3 years scares me to death.

But, I'm not doing this in my own strength. Annnnd-- I have incredible friends and family that are supporting me!

So, this summer I've literally spent days just standing in line once I picked my school getting things in order! Haha, but all registered and good to go-- classes started on Monday. :)

Let's do this.

Peppermint Patties - The Real Deal {Tropical Traditions Giveaway}

Seriously, guys- these are. to. dye. for. 

I whipped these together by recommended ingredients from a friend. It's just coconut oil, honey, and peppermint essential oil. Seriously- how much easier (and, delicious!) can it get?!

No measurements, sorry! I just can't seem to make anything good theses day if I measure!!! 

So, just eye ball it and make sure you put more coconut oil than anything, use your taste buds and you'll be fine. :P 

Now.....

How would you like a chance to win a free quality ingredient (coconut oil!!!) to make your own batch of these delectable babies? :) 

Tropical Traditions is sponsoring some healthy fun! Below is what they requested I copy/paste, and share with you & then you can enter the giveaway at the bottom of this post. :)

Winner will be selected Wednesday. February 26!!! 

Good luck!

Win 1 quart of Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil!

Tropical Traditions is America’s source for coconut oil. Their Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil is hand crafted in small batches by family producers, and it is the highest quality coconut oil they offer. You can read more about how virgin coconut oil is different from other coconut oils on their website: What is Virgin Coconut Oil?

You can also watch the video they produced about Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil

Tropical Traditions also carries other varieties of affordable high quality coconut oil. Visit their website to check on current sales, to learn about the many uses of coconut oil, and to read about all the advantages of buying coconut oil online. Since the FDA does not want us to discuss the health benefits of coconut oil on a page where it is being sold or given away, here is the best website to read about the health benefits of coconut oil.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

I {Heart} Running!

I'm sssoooooo excited!!! Seriously, did I *just* run 8 miles?!

Not me....

Yes, me!!!

I'm incredibly surprised at how amazing and GOOD that felt!!!

Thanks for the support peoples, I'm never run this far (or long) in my entire life so it was definitely a mile stone/marker. My brain is now opening up to the possibility, and realization that a 1/2 marathon *can* be in my near future. :)

On the training plan for next Saturday is a 10-miler.... comment and let me know your helps! :)

Enjoy your wk/end, and let me know if you're getting in your runs!!!

Blog Change.... Yet Again!

Yay! I'm sure your digging it right about now.... another blog change!!! lol!

Hmm- I might have a thing going for change. :P  (check out this post from August 2013) what do you think? 

Have fun, and let me know your thoughts!

Ok, so I like this layout a lot better because it's cleaner, a lot simpler, and I'm a total less-mess wannabe. Ya know?!

I agree... the polka dots are probably *way* cuter, but black & white were just calling my name!

Old "About Blog" page....

To this!

New Year 2014 has me all ready to throw out the junk, and start afresh! My personal closet is soon to feel the effects of this mindset. :/

See ya later, gator!

Green Smoothie Strong :)

So, this morning- when my alarm went off.... my body screamed that "5 more minutes" kind of feeling. Thankfully, my mind made the right decision. :p

I need to stop pretending I'm on vacation, and go to bed at a reasonable hour! lol! Does anyone else have issues getting back into their normal / work routine? 

Yesterday, I started 2014 off with a workout and some good ole fashioned stretching. Stretching is definitely on my list for this new year! I can't run as much (or get injured more easily) when I'm not in a regular routine. Plus, I just loooove how I feel all loose and limber with consistency- don't you? :)

Click here to see some of my favorite routines!

I'm not hosting the annual green smoothie challenge (at the moment) simply b/c I've got a lot of school, and work to tick off my list..... but, enjoy THIS post (one of my favs!) and look forward to future days! We can always fly solo, or grab a friend/partner to do it with us until the next Wild 'n Green e-World Party!

Happy almost end-of-the-week, peoples!

Turkey Day!

Happy Thanksgiving!

The plate. No.... I didn't eat all of this- had to save room for dessert. ;p 

My beautiful sister (Mary) made this "not from this planet" CHOCOLATE pecan pie!

It's not secret- I love my family.

I'm sure I'm biased --- but I'm pretty convinced my grandmothers make the best food in the world! This is my grandma Mimi's famous homemade apple cake.

Ok, so I thought it would be fun to list a few things I'm specifically grateful for this year! Join me in the comment section!

#1 - my relationship with Jesus. He is my everything, without I am nothing.

#2 - a warm, comfy bed. yes- I seriously *heart* my bed.

#3 - school, and credits.

#4 - possessing a curious nature. some times.... it does get me into trouble!

#5 - real friends who call me out on things and love me through the good and the bad

#6 - Proverbs 18:21 - this verse has changed my life. I believe in the power of the spoken blessing, and that complaining only makes things worse. If I want to change something, I have to speak life, show up and do the work.

#7 - vision. and thinking about my 5 yr plan!

#8 - helping people get well. i believe God created me to help people heal.

#9 - music. it makes my heart soar!

#10 - my camera :)

and, of course--- MY FAMILY!!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!

Healthy Tips for Your Thanksgiving Meal!

Hi, everyone! Wishing you a wonderful and bless-ed Thanksgiving tomorrow. :)

Comment and tell me something you ARE thankful for this Turkey Day! 

Happy Monday to You!

Starting the week off yesterday with spinach and cabbage...... righto, it's hard core. :p 

What was the latest green you consumed? Have a good one! = )

Which One for the Newspaper? :)

Help! My little sister is going to be featured in the local paper as a listing agent for her Real Estate.

Which picture should we send in? Tell us what catches your eye most-- Photo 1 or Photo 2? :)

Thanks in advance for the help! =) 

Organic Beef & Some Life Happenings

Hello, peoples!

I hope you're doing wonderfully!

I seriously dislike visitings a person's blog only to read the "I'm to busy to post" line. That's rude, so I'll spare you and just say -- There ARE dreams and goals, folks- and I'm after them................ =)

Sometimes I do think I'm slightly crazy (or rather not exceling at anything for overbooking myself)--- enrolled in two schools (college & a holistic health certification), tests (i always get nervous before a test), deadlines, trying to work part time in the family business, taking care of my sweet, precious Momma (actually she takes care of me ;), preparing for a Christmas vocal performance just after Thanksgiving, coaching 5 clients (which I love, love!)..... phew! it's fun, y'all- and a great day to be alive!

Dinner tonight was organic, grass-fed beef stew with lots of peas. :) Oh, and 1/2 a bagel of 'fiberous' grain bread with coconut oil and delicious sunbutter. :) You should try it sometime!

I made it for a workout before supper-- weights (5-12 pounders), squats, lunges, crunches, etc. Yesterday was a beautiful run outdoors (3.1 miles in 24:55)-- so much that I'm aching to get out there tomorrow!

But, I won't make it if I don't hit the sack. hehe! I'm a 9-hour kind a gal. Sometimes I'll go on 7.5 during the week, but that makes for a definite nap on Sunday afternoon and sleepy eyes during church which isn't desirable. :p

See ya soon!

What are you doing for runs / workouts this week?

Any delicious dinners, of late? Throw them at me-- you know I'm always open!

This Battle Is Not Mine

Today was a hard day. The above picture has nothing to do with anything, except for I love glass bottles and Pellegrino water :). Ooh, and the fact that I thought I was possibly going into a bout of the flue (or something), whizzing into the nearest grocery, and grabbing this off the shelf to keep myself from loosing my "inner-erds". This was actually the least of my worries today, though!

If I could, I would give you more details, but it takes a lot of energy for me to open up with this particular issue as it's so close to my heart. Plus, I'm just plain pooped from the day. . .

At the same time, I feel an inner peace about this situation because my hope is in God. I was reminded by a dear friend yesterday that Jesus IS bigger than this situation, any situation. It really makes no sense why I am not a complete basket case at the moment.

"The LORD God will fight for you. . ." -Exodus 14:14 

". . . For the battle is not yours, but God's"-2 Chronicles 20:15

Sometimes I feel like it's all dependent on me-- like I should do something, or do more!!!!! I know if sounds crazy, but whatever IT is that I'm talking about is -- a TON of responsibility and more like a part, full-time job to stay on top of it all.

But, really if you read the story in Chronicles of the Israelites in battle -- they opened their mouths and praised God versus trusting in their swords. It doesn't mean they weren't ready and willing to fight it just means that wasn't where their hope and security was-- it was in God!

You know what happened when they praised God, despite their circumstances? The enemy turned on itself and started killing each other!!!!

Ok, so I thought this was interesting and wanted to share and it's helped me go from surviving to thriving today. :) Perspective is everything!

I am thoroughly exhausted, though. I hardly did anything physical today which is hilarious-- it's been mostly mental and emotional expenditure. A quick 20 min workout saved my skin by squeezing it in this morning! Phew, seriously- I feel sssoooo much better when I get this into the daily regimen. Don't you agree? :)

It's just after 8pm now, but I'm hoping to hit the sack here soon after I do a little more study for the day. :)

So, I will praise you dear Jesus because you are good, because you are with me, and because you are for me-- a sinner you saved by Grace. :) May Your love shine through me and bless others!

I'm interested to hear from you-- How to do you release after a stressful day? It's ok, we all have them. It's just how we respond to them that counts. :) 

What are you trusting in? :) 

Oh, and I was recently award the Sunshine Award from fellow blogger and friend, The Peanut Butter Runner! Post on this to answer her questions coming soon. :)

Stay tuned- if you're a blogger I might just nominate you next!

Fall is My Favorite!

If fall is your favorite, than we just might be kindred spirits. 

I love it all. 

Cloudy, gray skies with a nip in the air. 

The pumpkin, cinnamon spice that makes you feel warm and safe as you sip on a hot latte, regardless of what's going on in life. Adorable tights with cute, knee-high boots crunching between leaves with cool breeze and exciting winds-- making you feel that anything is possible! 

The festivities-- pumpkin patches, marshmallows roasts. 

Yes, it just might be the most wonderful time of the year. :) 

Orange & spice was my cup of choice this morning before leaving for work to celebrate the season, but I'm also into green tea at the moment for all it's antioxidant benefits!

Are you a tea drinker? 

What's your favorite about fall? :) 

Do you have a favorite festivity/activity during this time of year? 

I Need Breakfast Ideas!

Hi, friends! 

It's the middle of the week and I need some more breakfast ideas! It's been green smoothies of late after waaay too long of 'a break!

What are your go-to favorites? :) 

I pretty much burnt out on eggs (scrambled, boiled, 'omelitized' -- you name it!) so anything other than that, I'm open!

Leave a comment-- tell me your all-time, personal breakfast favorites!!!

Sister by the Sea

What's more perfect than a sister, a good book, oatmeal cookies, and a glass bottle of ginger ale by the sea? :) 

I managed to talk my beautiful sister, Kristen, into playing with me a moment for this photo. :p Fun! If I didn't have other plans, I would totally become a photographer for my job. 

It's just t-totally too much fun!

Oh, and I'd live at the beach. =) 

Mary Robinson | Ocean

Some people are just born beautiful. 

The ocean view is simply breath taking here so I took advantage of it and snapped a few of my lovely sister, Mary. :) 

Classy.

I could look at this all day. :p

Mary, darling- you are beautiful. But, most importantly your vivacious personality, and sweet spirit shine through all that you do. I love you, sister. :) 

More adventures to come! A bunch of us went on a late night (translator: dark with only a teeny, tiny flashlight) along the shore. Thrilling, beautiful and unforgettable!

My Favorite Colors in Vegetables

Purples and greens are my favorite colors, ever! Especially when it comes to vegetable juice. I shot this photo from a juicing session last week. :) 

Lovely, huh?

What are your favorite "vegetable colors"? =)

Of Late . . .

Fall is here!!!

You know it's a good day when you can go for a 4 mile run in the middle of the day and not feel like you're dying from the heat. :)

Last week was a better running week for me than the few previous. I'd been slacking (i.e.: not running at all) so it feels good to be getting back into some sort of routine!

Running is a release for me. Without it, I'm just not myself- even if it's just a 1/2 miler.

By far, Saturday's run was my fastest in a while. :) Four miles in 33:25 makes me happy!

I made cheesecake Friday night!!! My favorite. :)

Check out the recipe, and cut yourself a handsome slice-- here!

Late night study sessions do exist . . . I was so tired on Saturday from the week that I woke up at 10:26 am!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know- I couldn't believe it either. :/ Half the day was gone!

In fact, I checked 3 clocks to make sure I wasn't dreaming.

But, I should mention- I wasn't up late Friday from studying, but rather watching "proposals gone wrong" on YouTube with my sister. We're just weird like that (sorry guys! you would have laughed, too!!!). I totally recommend it if you're searching for a way to make your stomach hurt from induced laughing. :p

Saturday morning, I had a giveaway package that was past due to be mailed . . .  and I made it to the post office within seconds (no joke!) of closing. I sped all the way there (and prayed!). Literally, I was walking in make-up-less and Mr. Post-man locked the door behind me one toe in the door. Phew!

The bad part was I almost started laughing . . . (actually, I probably did- knowing me). I have this weird quirk of laughing at the most moment unexplainable moments (to other people, at least).

Yesterday afternoon I made a batch of yummy blueberry muffins in prep for a house guest that flew in late last night. This picture turned out kind of yellow, but they came out a beautiful golden brown. :)

It's Sunday afternoon now. And, I'm outside on the front porch finishing up this post and writing in my beautiful 1,000 gifts journey. :)

Enjoy your day! Rest up for an exiting new week. :)

Cravings as Signals {Think of Your Body as a Crying Baby That's Trying to Tell You Something}

Ok- so in nutrition school this week--- everything is all about cravings, where they come from, and WHY!!!! 

{Just so you know the above cupcake was totally amazing. If you haven't had one- go get yourself one!}

Did you know?--- that cravings don't make you a bad person. I really want to stress this because it's amazing how many people I run into that really believe this!!!

I'll be working with someone, listening to what they're eating, and it's almost like they think they should feel guilty for wanting certain foods (or embarrassed) when really-- what's going through my head is the why? I'm thinking . . . hormones, pituitary gland, blood sugar levels, etc.

No, seriously if you're craving a GIANT ice cream Sunday (so yummy!), greasy cheesy pizza or a can of coke -- it doesn't mean there's something wrong with you as a person . . . :p

The question is, why? Is it a psychological reason (your thoughts), or a biological reason?

The answer to this question tells us how to approach it and pin-point a solution!!!!

Have you ever wondered why (at times) you desire to eat something that you know will only feel like a stomach bomb a few hours later, or why we eat things we know just really aren't the best for us (like fried foods, for example).

If you're experiencing uncontrollable cravings-- check these tips out before giving up!

{BTW, this chocolate stampede comes totally recommended by me!}

#1 - Get hydrated.

Have you had enough water to drink?

May sound strange, but yes- if you're dehydrated your body can fake that "hungry feeling" when all you really need is a big glass of h2o!

#2 - Check your deficiencies. 

Cravings can be a sign of deficiencies. For example, if you're low in iron you might crave crunching ice. You can get this checked by asking your doctor for a vitamin panel testing. :) There are other ways, but it's the simplest to explain at the moment!

#3 - Primary foods.

Are you satisfied with your life, or are you trying to cover up other issues with food?

#4 - Crowd out.

For example, instead of telling yourself that you'll never eat sugar again why not try drinking a glass of warm water and waiting 10 minutes before you head to the freezer for a late night bowl of ice cream?

If you still want some after that-- go for it!!!!!! But, at least you made a conscience decision versus a reactionary one to what could just be a "thirst signal". :)

#5 - Think of your body as a baby!

Taking care of an infant isn't the easiest task (I'm the second of 9, so yeah- I know! totally worth it, though :), but neither is taking care of your body!!!!

Use your imagination for a sec, and equalize the two.

Your body is a baby-- it's crying at the moment (cravings) and you don't know what it needs. Your body really is like this!!! We make educated guesses at to what's going on.

All this to say, if you're experiencing wild cravings-- it's just your body sending you a message, or signal. Until you figure out what that signal is, and respond to it (with the right answer!), that craving isn't going to go away.

Sometimes, though, babies still cry after you change their diaper because it was really an ear ache they were complaining of. The diaper change helped, but there was more . . . don't give up!!!! Use your brain, do the research, and most importantly-- listen to your body. It's talking. :)

If you have any questions about cravings I'm happy to point you in the right direction, if I can! My e-mail is realfoodrunner@gmail.com

Comment and tell me how you respond to cravings. :) 

Do you just go with them, or do you see that craving as something your body is trying to tell you? 

The Easiest Snack Ever! Ants on a Log

Ok, are you ready for something easy-peasy and totally delicious?!

Here ya go! It's one of my favorites. :)

• celery sticks
• ample amounts of peanut butter
• as many ants (i.e.: raisins) as you think you'll need. :p

Spread your PB and get those ants 'a marching! 

Chomp and chew. 

Enjoy your snack. :) I'm off for a run on the farm and then it's dinner.

Girls movie night / past wk/end report to come tomorrow!