Centered.

The past couple of days have been really, really good. There's a few things in life that make me feel..well, me! And recently I hadn't been doing too many of those things. Some of which include:

• a super hard sweaty workout
• yoga
• reading my Bible and writing in my prayer journal
• feeding my body nutritious food that makes me feel good

For the most part, I'm really good about working out hard and eating well. But more often than not I forget to slow down and practice yoga or read my Bible.

I didn't quite realize that I hadn't been spending quality time with my Bible and my journal until I stumbled upon #SheReadsTruth the other day. I'd been seeing it all over the place on Instagram and Twitter and whatnot, but never bothered to actually check out what it was about. And as soon as I started reading about it, I realized how much I'd been missing out on.

Doing a Bible study with other women, hearing encouraging words, and reading what they have to say about that day's scripture was just what I needed. As soon as I realized how much I'd been missing out on, I dove right in. I started on Proverbs day 1 (it's currently day 26) and right now I'm on Proverbs 7. Slowly catching up and enjoying every minute of it.

this morning's quiet time.

I already feel so much more... centered. happy. ready to take on whatever comes next.

I also went to a yoga class for the first time in over a month yesterday. I think I don't go as often as I should because it's hard! A lot harder than you'd think. But I am so grateful that I went. I had an amazing practice and during some of the hip openers the teacher was having us go through I found tears falling on my mat. Releasing your hips tends to release your emotions - and when my teacher said to just let it all out, I was surprised to feel myself doing so. But it felt so, so good.

I finally realized what I've been missing - and I feel like me again.

what keeps you centered in your life?

Vlog #2! {Sweat Pink + WIAW}

hey guys! i made my second vlog today (here's a link to the first!) and it made me realize how much i LOVE to vlog! i used to be afraid of it but now i've gotten over that - i love it so much because i think that it kinda gives you guys a behind the scenes of the ol' bloggy in a way.

anyway, i made the vlog before i realized what day it was! tuesday = WIAW posting night! silly me. but i talked about a few of my meals in the vlog so i figured i'd share photos of them at the end of the post. best of both worlds, right?!

super exciting news in my vlog, too, so if you have the time i'd love it if you watched! (pssttt.. hint! check out that sidebar over there-->)

onto the WIAW photos! 

this morning i made this amazing coffee i scored at target the other day - anything coconut and i'm in heaven. i also had some almond butter toast and forgot to snap a pic! 

and my lunch at the little cafe:

nonfat latte that i added a truvia packet to (because i'm that crazy weirdo that carrys truvia packets in my purse.. and my wallet.. and my car...), a open face creamy mushroom & chicken sandwich, and a side salad. all of it was absolutely delicious! 

afternoon snackage was a little too much peanut butter cookie dough.. it's so freakin good!

and dinner is going to be a tofu stir fry exactly like this one i made awhile back:

and dessert is going to be a green smoothie since i haven't had one yet today and we're on day 2 of the green smoothie challenge!

what was the best thing you ate today?

any suggestions for my hair dilemma (i explained in the vlog)?

Highlights of My Labor Day Weekend.

1. going shopping and actually getting some normal, non workout clothes for once! i got a pair of jean shorts and 2 tops from urban outfitters. i am seriously in love with that store.

2. my mom bringing me an awesome salad for dinner while i was at work on Sunday night! spinach, romaine, carrots, mushrooms, deli turkey, mozzarella, and avocado.

3. getting to petsit again for those 7 adorable kittens! i want all of them.

4. taking the time to make something besides almond butter toast for breakfast. i made breakfast tacos with 2 scrambled eggs, sauteed spinach, turkey bacon, and shredded parmesan. these were so good!

5. putting on my new outfit from urban and actually doing my makeup - i am loving my urban decay eye shadow that i got a little while ago. i also have a Stila grey sparkly eyeliner that is my favorite. it lightens up my eyes and adds a little girly touch.  

6. labor day run! i got motivated by my twitter feed seeing everyone's runs and bike rides so i got my butt out the door. (i ended up getting a second pair of my black Lululemon Turbo Run Short and a second headband because i love both so much!) i originally set out with a goal of doing a 10K and even stuck a  cappucino Hammergel in the back zipper pocket of my shorts, but i ended up cutting the run short. my legs were sore from yesterday's BodyPump class - I upped quite a few of my weights by 2kg and was feelin' it today - and it was hot out. i'm glad i listened to my body because i know i will have a much better workout tomorrow because of it! post workout snack was a big bowl of vanilla chobani with fresh raspberries, chia seeds, almond meal, and rainbow sprinkles.

7. going to the movies with my family to see The Bourne Legacy! it was a little much for this fraidy cat but i still had a good time.

8. pizza. 

9. painting my fingernails and successfully not chipping them on the first day! win.

10. ending the night skyping with one of my besties, chatting with my new roomies (and figuring out all of our dorm stuff! EEK! so excited!!), and then watching the premiere of Switched at Birth. couldn't've asked for a better night! 

what was a highlight of your labor day weekend?