No Spend September

I've recently realized that I LOVE to spend money. Do not ask me why because I'm still analyzing it with some help *cough, cough therapist, cough cough*. Although a huge trigger for me is stress. I always feel better after I spend money. Whether it be for clothes, makeup, or even groceries.

While I'm doing much better, September is an extremely stressful month for me. I'm finishing my Masters, I've started teaching again, and school is overall a stressful situation. Add in outside relationships, trying to save money for Christmas, and more.

So, to help me keep track of my spending, I'm do NO SPEND SEPTEMBER. There are many different ways one can go about this. This is my way.

1) No spending money on clothes! NONE!

2) I should only go grocery shopping 1 or 2 times/week. No making extra trips for something I don't need.

3) Wherever I go I must have a list. I can't get anything outside of my list.

4) Try to use more coupons.

5) No spending money on eating out/drinking. Starbucks, Cafe Rio, Smoothie King...

6) Every time I feel the need to shop I need to workout, and/or put money into a jar. I can then use that money after September, if I chose.

Now, I know surprises come up, so if that happens I'm ok with it. I really just want to see how well I can do. Follow me on Instagram and Twitter (@ElleHattan) to see how I do! I'll also be doing updates throughout the month!

Happy September!

Weekend Recap: Nephew Edition

It is Monday night. This is very sad for me because it means my 6 day weekend vacation is coming to an end! I am linking up with Bella, Anni & Meg to share my wonderful weekend :)

My vacation started last Wednesday when the boy drove me to the airport. Can I just say that a huge perk of being in a relationship is having someone drive you to the airport and pick you up.

 My weekend really started when I flew to Michigan and got to see my sister, brother-in-law, and nephew. My nephew is only 2 weeks old and SO ADORABLE!

My Dad and I landed in Grand Rapids and made the 3 1/2 hour drive north. We then spent 6 hours at my sister's house just hanging out, fighting over Abel, and catching up. It was awesome.

One of the things I miss most about Michigan is Biggby coffee. It is delicious and they make great, iced coffees. Of course I had to pick up a Purple Haze before going back to spend time with the fam.

The rest of the weekend was spent at my sister's. We ate really good food (my Dad makes the best steak), chatted, bickered like kids, and watched movies. I am now going to overload you with pictures of my adorable nephew. Can you tell I'm a proud Aunt?

On Sunday my Dad and I drove 3 1/2 hours back to the airport. My younger sister was visiting family and met us at the airport. It made the 4 hour trip back to Phoenix so much faster. Plus she loves to take pictures as much as I do :)

After a few delayed flights from Phoenix--> Las Vegas, I finally made it home at 8:30. Just in time to celebrate the boy's dad's birthday. I was an amazing weekend and I love spending time with my family!

Blogmopolitan Quiz: Round 2

I'm so excited that Erin made another Blogmopolitan Quiz! These are so fun and you find out some cool facts about your favorite bloggers! Fill one out and link-up!

WIAW

How on earth is it only Wednesday?! The only thing getting me through today is the Blendicano that I had this morning and the awesome talk with my sister.

Thankfully, my Wednesday is almost over and I decided that I should want to post about my eats as of late. I really like reading others WIAW posts so hopefully I'll inspire someone else too!

If you didn't know, I'm working 4 jobs this summer. Yes, 4. #LifeOfATeacher. Most of my meals are ones that I can prep on Sundays, or freeze and reheat. They are also served in Tupperware or plastic bags.

My mornings have been starting with a Starbucks Blendicano. This little gem is the bomb. It is simply ice, espresso, and water blended like a frapp. Make sure you tell them no base. Sometimes I'll even hand them a packet of my Perfect Fit Chocolate Protein powder to add in. It's no calories and sooo good. Thanks to Michelle for the perfect drink :)

By the time I pick up the nanny kids and we get to summer camp, I am ready for breakfast. I recently scored a huge box of cherries from an old school parent of mine! I've been eating them like crazy and especially love them with Greek yogurt. Add a Tone It Up protein, blueberry muffin and I'm set for the morning.

By the time lunch rolls around I'm busy getting the kids fed, cleaning up the classroom, tying bracelets, and so much more. I have just enough time to make some oatmeal, and top it with pb2, Quest bar, and some granola.

When we (the nanny kids & I) get home we are usually ready for a snack. They love apples and pb or vegetables but I like to combine all of it. My favorite snack lately is Strawberry Salsa! It's so good with chips or another dipping vegetable or on its own.

After I get done nannying I grab a quick quest bar or protein shake and get my workout on. An awesome sweat sesh is always perfect after work because it gives me enough energy to get through the night and it motivates me to eat healthier! When I get home I'm starving so I pull out a pre-made turkey burger, pop it in the oven and make a salad to go with it. Quick, easy & done.

P.S Thank goodness for the Iphone pics! I'm not a foodie photographer but they turned out ok :)

What Being a Nanny Means

The other day I was telling venting to a friend about my summer job. You see, I'm a nanny and the mom I babysit for was trying to only pay me $5/hour for 2 kids! After I was done venting, this friend was dumbfounded. Not at the fact that I was going to get paid $5/hour but that I wanted more!

This made me upset, and in typical "me" fashion I hung up the phone so I wouldn't say something I would regret. Later my friend called me back and asked me to explain why I felt the need to get paid more when all I had to do was sit the kids in front of the tv, give them PB& J sandwiches and color. Well let me tell you... that is the farthest thing from what I actually do. So I decided to make a post about what a GOOD Nanny does. For this story all names have been changed.

This summer I am nannying for 2 kids, Cayden and Sarah. Cayden is 6 and Sarah is 4. I babysit them 5 days/week for 10 hours each day. I am with them a lot!

While they look adorable, they are full of sass, spunk and energy! They are always on the move, HATE naps, love swimming but don't have much interaction with kids. As their nanny, it is my responsibility to show them how to act like decent human beings, teach them manners, and so many other things.

Our days are filled with photo shoots, putting on lots of sunscreen, swimming, picnic lunches, making new friends, and spending time at the park.

By the time we come home we do have chill time. I allow them to watch 1 hour of t.v or technology time. The rest of the day is spent doing makeup, playing leggos, coloring, and doing chores.

I never leave a dish in the sink, a blanket unfolded, or pillows on the floor. Even if it is what I come to in the morning.

I make them breakfast, lunch and dinner. I'm teaching them how to read, how to swim, and how to be respectful to everyone (even if they don't want to). It's fixing boo-boos, giving hugs, and being there to listen to their problems (p.s it is major drama that a BRATZ doll is being discontinued!)

We have fun and some days are better than most. But on those bad days we make ice cream sundaes and call it a win.

So to answer my friend's question, and anyone elses, being a nanny is NOT putting them in front of the t.v, coloring, and PB&J sandwiches. It is caring for little adults, who want to grow up too quick and need caring for.

My Junebug is Gone

This is a Junebug. Contrary to my post title I have not lost this creature. Nor will I ever because I DO NOT want a Junebug. Nope. My Junebug is the month of June. I always look forward to this month because school lets out, I get to start summer. Now June is over and I want to reflect on where exactly it went. P.S This is a picture heavy post!

The end of school came so fast yet SO SLOW (I know all my teachers feel me on this). Thankfully I was able to enjoy the last few days with my students and cherish those moments.

I also got to visit with my good friend Kaitlin. We met in university and have stayed friends ever since. Its awesome to say that you've known someone for 7 years and are still friends. Plus she got engaged!

The week school got out I had to quickly pack up my classroom, move it to another classroom, sort curriculum, and move other things. It was a busy and sore 2 days! That weekend I got to go to Big Bear, California. I went with my church as a youth group leader and it was such an amazing experience. Not to mention, all of us counselors are pretty rad ;)

The Monday after camp I started my summer job. I'm nannying for a little girl & boy. We are spending our days mostly swimming, going to the park and watching Magic School Bus . I love being a nanny because I get to be a kid and get paid for it!

Along with nannying, I'm also working a day camp at my school and working at Old Navy a few times a week.

In the midst of my crazy work schedule, I was able to block off some time to get my hair colored and cut. Thank goodness because it was a hot-mess up on my head. Guess what?! While you may think getting your hair done is relaxing (especially when you have a great stylist like mine) someone can totally ruin that for you. Someone idiot hit my PARKED car! Thankfully his insurance will cover it!

This month I also got to celebrate the amazing marriage of my friend/teammate/shoulder to vent to Kymbre! Her and Mitch had the most beautiful wedding and it was filled with love & joy. Plus I got to get dressed up, be with friends/co-workers, and dance with the boy :)

Towards the end of the month Yesterday I was able to try a new Pinterest Recipe! Strawberry salsa is SOOOOO GOOOD and healthy! It tastes so fresh and can be paired with a variety of things. I used chicken and chips.

I also started babysitting this little cutie! He is only 1 month old and so precious, thus it doesn't seem like work.

Looking back, June has been one heck of a month! There have been many, many ups and a few lows. No matter what though, I know I can always run to Starbucks for a blended Americano to help get me through.

Happy July!!

#GoVoxBox Review

Hey Everyone!

It has been an extremely busy last few months but I'm so happy to say that school is out! Its Summa!!! Well kind of, this summer I will be working at my school, working at Old Navy, and being a nanny for 2 kids. It will be a quick summer!

While I missed blogging, I did have something to get me through these last few months... Influenster's Go VoxBox! Whoo!!

 I always love getting selected for these boxes because they are so much fun! Influenster chooses the best products and I always find something I want more of. If you're interested in joining, leave me a comment with your email! Did I mention it's free?!

Back to the box. Here is a photo of everything & my review.

1) Vitamin Shoppe Next Step Fit N Full Protein Shake & bottle
Description: I received 3 flavors of the protein powder: chocolate, very berry, and vanilla. I also received a bottle, similar to a Blender Bottle but it has a purple plastic blender instead of a wire ball.
Review: The protein shakes were good to mix with water and drink. The chocolate was my favorite, the very berry was just ok. I tried to make a protein pancake with the vanilla but it didn't turn out so well.
Buy or Not Buy: Buy. The chocolate though and have with a Quest Cookie Dough Bar ;)

2) Blue Diamond Blueberry Almonds
Description: Almonds and blueberries often come together in recipes, so it made sense to combine the natural flavor of blueberries with our oven-roasted almonds' crunchy goodness. As a good source of protein, our Blueberry-Flavored Almonds make a great anytime snack to keep you going. Enjoy them in place of candy or cookies for a sweet treat packed with antioxidants. (From Blue Diamond Website).
Review: These are amazing! I had to break into them right away and couldn't stop. I've always loved almonds but these are the best treat.
Buy or Not Buy: BUY BUY BUY!!! Here is the cheapest I've found them

3) ProFoot Triad Orthotic
Description: You'll feel dramatic results the minute you put Triad Insoles in your shoes. The triple action, advanced design provides unparalleled support and comfort to the three zones of your feet: the arches, heels and balls of feet. No other insole does a better job preventing foot fatigue and helping to relieve knee and back pain than Triad. (From Website).
Review: I honestly didn't feel too much of a difference. I think this is because I have Nikes and they have great insoles. I would try them in other shoes, however, I have very small feet and they were too big for non-tennis shoes. 
Buy or Not Buy: Not Buy only for the reason that I didn't need them.

4) Muller Yogurt
Description: Muller yogurt was originated in Europe but in 2012 formed a partnership with Quaker Oats and brought the yogurt to the USA. They have 3 different styles: corner, greek corner, & Frut Up. 
Review: I tend to be a snob when it comes to yogurt. I'm a huge Chobani fan and that is the only one I'll eat. Not anymore! This yogurt was creamy and delicious! I tried the corner and Greek corner. The corner was more sweet, like typical yogurt. Greek corner had Greek yogurt that was so creamy and didn't leave the sour after taste you can sometimes get. They have lots of varieties and are often on sale! 
Buy or Not Buy: Buy! If you have a Smith's Shopping Center they are on sale for 10/$10 and you get a coupon for your next purchase!

5) Pro-Foot Pedi Rock
Description: Callus file with easy-grip shape gently removes calluses and dry skin. Flex-soft material conforms to the shape of your foot for smooth, soft skin in 60 seconds. Gently removes calluses and dry skin. Easy-grip shape is fast and effective. Silicon carbide crystal surface can be used wet or dry (Amazon).
Review: I'm not a nail technician. I don't really take care of my own feet. That said, this pedi-rock seems to do everything that other pedi-rocks do. A few differences are that it is squishy to the touch and it doesn't have anything to catch your feet shavings. 
Buy or Not Buy: Not Buy.

6) Playtex Sport Fresh Balance Tampons
Description: A tampon is a tampon but this one has a flared plunger for handling comfort, contoured applicator-slimmed at the tip, unique tapered tampon, flexible to move with the body and a special backup layer expands  quickly to attract and lock in fluid for better protection.
Review: I really liked these. Usually I use Kotex U but this was great for during the day when I had to be up and moving. I wore one during my school's water day and it stayed in place and worked well.
Buy or Not buy: Buy! Plus they are usually on sale at Walgreens.

7)Aqua Spa Bath Salts

Description: bath salts that revitalize muscles and diminishes aging.
Review: After a really stressful night I poured some of these salts into my bath, turned down the lights, and just sat. The jar definitely did not lie. My muscles felt better, I definitely relaxed and felt over all happier. These didn't irritate my skin like others do and the smell is very soothing, not fake and overwhelming.
Buy or Not Buy: Buy but put it in the splurge part of your budget.

I love the Influenster program and this box definitely did not disappoint!

Till next time,