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,
 

What I Learned From Living With....

Did I leave you with a suspenseful feeling? What I learned from Living With... Really? Did I just do that. Yes. Yes, I did. Curious to see who I lived with?

Drumroll please... My Best Friend's Husband.

I think that would make a great movie title. What I learned from Living With My Best Friend's Husband. Call me someday Spielberg, we'll set it up ;)
 
 Alright, back to the whole point of this post. As you all know or don't know, Christine is my best friend. She is HAPPILY married to Rex, they are the epitome of a great couple. A few weeks ago, Rex came to stay with me for a week because he had classes. I was pumped to help out a friend, and have some company. It was a great visit, but I learned a few things and here they are (in no particular order).

1) Having someone to come home to and ask about your day is awesome.

2) Men really don't care about the details. I asked Rex what he wanted, made a couch 'bed', even lit candles so it smelled good. While I know Rex was appreciative, he could have slept on a sleeping bag and felt the same way.

3) He eats. A lot.

4) When I get married, my house will have to have 2 bathrooms. Or a place to do my hair & make-up.

5) I really enjoyed 'taking care of' someone. I.E cooking, cleaning, laundry.

6) My future husband will have to like How I Met Your Mother & Big Bang Theory (thanks for watching with me Rex).

8) Cooking for two and conversing with someone is more fun than eating alone.

9) Rex is great at staying calm, and even mannered. I knew this before, but spending a whole week with him really let it sink in.

10) I have the best friends in Christine & Rex. They are so supportive and loving to everyone in their lives. My future husband will have to love them, as much as he loves me, because I'm not giving them up for the world :)

So, kind of mushy, but I felt lucky to have this experience. Christine, thanks for letting me write this post!!

Always believe in Faith & Serendipity,

Beach Waves in 5 minutes!

Today I am trying something new. I'm attempting doing a "how-to" hair post! Please note, I am not a professional hair stylist, and I definitely would take pointers, but this is what works for me!

Being a teacher, I need to be out the door by 7 am. I also need to make sure my hair looks professional, and not just pulled back in a sloppy bun. Sloppy buns are great if you can pull it off, but I can't, mine look really sloppy!

Enter my quick and easy 'beach' hair. This seriously takes 5 minutes to do in the morning and you HAVE to shower the night before (win-win!).

My hair: My hair is longer, and my cut is long layers. My hair has a natural wave, but not super curly. If your hair doesn't have any wave, I recommend sleeping in the sea-salt spray and using it again in the morning.

Step 1: Take a shower the night before. When you get out of the shower, spray a leave-in conditioner or detangling spray. I really like Pureology Colour Fanatic. Brush out your hair with a comb (it helps prevent split-ends).

Step 2: Let your hair air-dry and sleep with it wet. DO NOT put it in a bun or ponytail because it will leave a crimp mark where your band was.

Step 3: When you wake up, finger comb through the waves. I then apply sea salt spray, staring half-way down my hair to the ends. This helps bring the wave "back to life". I recommend any sea salt spray, today I used Not Your Mother's Sea-Salt Spray

Step 4 (optional): I like to spray some dry shampoo on my roots. This gives me a bit more lift and it smells so good!

Step 5: You'll probably have some fly-away pieces of hair. I use Aveda Smoothing Serum. It only takes a little (dime size) and do not put on your roots! It will make your hair look greasy.

 Step 6 (optional): Bangs! I have long side bangs, that I hate being in my face so I french braid them back. Some like to twist, or you can do a poof on top.

Step 7 (optional): Hairspray! I don't like to use a ton, but it is your preference. This is the best hair spray because it has great hold but it doesn't make your hair 'crunchy'.

And you're done! It is so easy and quick! Here are a few pics of my hair after the process.

back

front

side

side

 

 I hope you enjoyed this post!

Always believe in Faith & Serendipity,

WIAW + Recipe (of sorts)

Who am I right now? This is my 3rd post this week! I hope I stick to this...

So on Monday I mentioned how I wanted to be more honest on the blog but link-ups are still fun. This is one link-up I like doing. Why you may ask? It gives me a reason to photograph my food and not seem like an idiot. I can also use hashtags like #foodieprobz #WannabePhotographer #LameAsADuck

Yes. I'm that person. Go ahead and judge all you want.

 I've been really proud of myself because I've been getting up early enough to eat breakfast! A good one too, my favorite protein pancake.

 During my prep I had to have a team meeting, enter my favorite go-to snack. Quest bars. Now if you haven't tried a Quest Bar you must be living under a rock (unless you don't care about healthy eating, then I'm envious). These bars are gluten free, reasonably priced, and come in so many flavors!

Lunch was composed of a light but protein filled salad. On Sunday I meal prepped chicken, and then tossed in romain, spinach, and argula with some beets, goat cheese, and a veggie mix I got from Trader Joe's. It hit the spot.

After school I tutor until 4:30, thus my snacks have to be quick and easy. I really like my Perfect Fit Protein but I've become bored with just mixing it with milk. Plus I need something a little more filling. Enter my new favorite smoothie, the neopolitan.

 It's 1 cup Strawberry Kefir, 1 frozen banana, and 1 scoop of Chocolate Perfect fit Protein. If you want a more chocolate flavor, do 1/2 cup Chocolate Almond milk and 1/2 cup Strawberry Kefir.

I may have a bottle problem, and this is missing 3 bottles!

When I was meal prepping on Sunday, I decided to try potatoes in a new way. Well new to me. I boiled some baby Yukon Gold potatoes, drained them, placed them in a muffin tin and went SMASH, SMASH, SMASH! It worked! It made perfect, little, potato cups! Pair them with some chicken, and steamed veggies= AWESOME, EASY MEAL!

Always believing in Faith & Serendipity,

Remember That Time...

Have you seen this floating around? Both Erin & Karly sucked me in... Enjoy!

 Always believe in Faith & Serendipity,

Let's Play Catch Up

Yesterday I went a little deep and was completely honest about my feelings toward blogging. Today, I'm going to keep it a little lighter and fill you in on some random happenings!

One of the most exciting things that happened... my nephew Hudson Dean was born!! He is getting way too big already and I love him so much!

                                           

 In other exciting news, my youngest sister is pregnant. Baby Abel William Newcomb is arriving in July!

In addition to celebrating new babies, I've been working out a lot, enjoying time with my students, celebrating friend's weddings, and enjoying "me" time.

 It has been a great few months and I can't wait to see what's next!

Always believe in Faith & Serendipity,