Spring Fling.

I love that it is finally Spring.

Time to wear bright colors and clean shades.

I also love wearing toned down neutral shades in the spring.

My favorite spring clothing item you might ask?

White Jeans.

I have 3 pairs of them and if I could I would probably wear them everyday.



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I am so excited for this weekend.

I have so much in store.

Tonight after work, of course the gym.

Then off I go to see one of my good friends act in a local play.

It's going to be fun. I haven't seen a play in so long, and the last time I saw one with him as an actor was in high school.

Then out on the town we will go.

Tomorrow is St. Patrick's Day!

I honestly have never really celebrated it, so I hope to be able too this year.

I am going to spend the day at my new apt cleaning and arranging things.

Choosing paint colors and just making sure the apt is in prime condition to move things in next weekend.

I cannot believe a week from today I will be living by myself in my own apt.

It's so exciting :)

Then Sunday...

Well, who knows yet?

I have to do some homework, since of course I chose to ignore all of it this week due to Spring Break.

I also have friends coming in town this weekend who I am so beyond stoked to see.

I am sure that I will see them Saturday night, but if I don't for some reason, Sunday will be the day to get some morning grub!

Somewhere vegetarian of course...

I hope everyone has an amazing weekend....

" In life you will realize that there is a purpose for everyone you meet. Some will test you, some will use you and some will teach you. But the most important are the ones who bring out the best in you, respect you and accept you for who you are. Those are the one's worth keeping around....."

LOVE.

XOXO.

Motivation.

I personally don't care if people judge me about his post because I know some people will.

But remember, this is a blog about my life and my accomplishments, so you can choose not to read if you think you're going to be that person.

People still ask me how my training has been going and all I can say is, it's "hard work and dedication." Ha.

I still have a lot to work on and more goals ahead of me, but all I know is I will never give up...

Some people have asked who I look up too, who I am inspired by, or who I want my ideal body like?

Believe it or not, it still is and always has been...

Britney Spears.

Back in her prime, she had the most amazing body a girl could ask for.

Something I have overheard in the past year and always despised is when people say..

" you are just skinny, you don't have to do anything for it."

It really amazes me how often I hear people say this out in the real world.

Usually not to me, but to other people who are in shape or are thinner than those who comment.

First off.

Stop.

Speaking for myself I work my ass off to be in shape.

I go to the gym a few times a week.

I trail run.

I eat smart and healthy.

I NEVER not think twice before I put something in my mouth.

Obviously it helps that I am gluten intolerant, but I really eat 75% fruits and veggies and try to keep up on my water consumption more than anything.

To the point, this is what I would like my body to become and my motivation.

I love her and always will.

The last picture of her, seriously to me is the DREAM stomach and I hope to one day achieve it.

( Other than that, I added some random Britney photo's just because I think she is beautiful. )

Lately I have been working harder than I have ever before in my life to perfect more specific areas on my body, especially my stomach.

My great friend Joe works me out really hard every week at the field house up at the U.

I started lifting weights for the first time in my life and working on harder on ab routines.

I think it's finally starting to pay off.

Hopefully I can get the BS body by summer ;)

What has really helped me get to my goals are a few different websites:

Women's Health Mag Rock Hard Abs

Self Insanity.

Self Drop 10.

Calorie Count

I find other women's stories incredibly motivating.

Us as women should motivate each one other, because we all know that it's always easier if we have other people helping us.

If you have a story you would like to share please do.....

We can all achieve our goals.

We just have to believe in ourselves and support one another.

It sounds cheesy by its true.

I don't think we should feel ashamed of having goals to be fit.

So, don't let people make you think any differently.

( I am also speaking to myself when I write this because of course it's scary and uncomfortable to be proud of yourself sometimes. However, I try to think about how I can possibly can help other people with the same problems I have and let you girls know, you can change your body, its all up to you. )

Other motivation:

** personally I love seeing women and girls more fit than I am. I am proud of them, even if I don't know them because I know that it took them time and a conscious effort to look the way they do. All it does is motivate me to try harder **

LOVE.

XOXO.

Kinda, the best day ever!

Happy Monday everyone!!!!

Spring Break is here.

Sadly, I didn't get to go to Denver like I had planned due to the sudden urge to move and needing to save money, but I can't say that I am disappointed on where the first day of Spring Break took me.

This morning, I definitely wanted to sleep in, which is weird enough, but once I saw that sun I knew I had to get my butt out of bed and enjoy the day....

Trail Run.

Had the most amazing trail run today.

See, I haven't ran in about a month or more due to a hip flexor injury and honestly have been too scared to start again, but the nice weather really made me think twice.

When I got there, I mentally put it in my head that I wasn't going to push myself to the brink and that once I started to hurt, I would stop.

Let me tell you, I ran for over an hour strait and I felt like queen of the world.

Ha.

Running up hills are when I find my hip flexor really hurting, but I pushed through the pain today because if you didn't know, running up hills are truly my favorite part of trail running.

It felt good, just to be outside in nature and doing what I love the most.

I wish I could have kept running, but after an hour I really couldn't run much more due to the pain.

However, apart of me wants to go right back up to the hills before the sun goes down to run once more.

I can't honestly believe the weather today.

 It's March, usually freezing, and today feels like full on spring.

It's beautiful...

A Book and the Park.

If today wasn't the perfect day to take a book to the park and lay down and read, I don't know what day is?

After my run I went and grabbed a coffee and went to my favorite bookstore on 15th and 15th. 

The Kings English.

I started reading "The Road " by Cormac McCarthy.

From what I have read so far, I really like it and I love the way Cormac writes.

If I were a writer, I would most likely write the way he does.

Short and very abstract sentences.

It was sooooo nice to be around people all enjoying the sun and seeing people flying kites :)

The sound of dogs barking, and the wind blowing.

It was exactly what I needed.

Relaxing.

Windows Down and Belting my Heart Out.

I love when the weather gets nice enough out that you can drive with all your windows down and play your music as loud as you want :)

Today, I may or may not have forgotten that when you sing with the windows down..... everyone can hear you who is around.

Today I was stopped in traffic and belting out Florence as if I were singing to a crowd.

Little did I notice the homeless man next to me holding up a sign next to Whole Foods.

The song ended and I heard a whistle outside my window.

" You have the most amazing voice!!"

Blushing and laughing, I thanked him for his kind words and drove off.

Now, I still am not sure if he was saying this hoping I had a free dollar ( which I wish I did, but I don't carry cash ) or if he really had those thoughts mustered in his head?

Either way, it made my day!

I can't wait to see what the rest of Spring Break has in store for me.

However I am working more than usual.

Tomorrow and my usual Thursday, Friday.

I figure since I am moving, a little extra money can't hurt.

I hope everyone else has a blast of a Spring Break.

For as long as the sun is here, soak it up :)

LOVE.

XOXO.

A Change to Occur.....

Hey everyone!

Wow! 

What a crazy week it's been, which has completely kept me away from my blog.

So, here I am to let you in on how my little world around me is changing.

I'm moving!

At this point of time I reside with my boyfriend, in a quaint little apartment which I am going to truly miss.

We have decided at this time, we would like to live separately, for we never really have.

As the days gets closer to our move out date, the sadder I get.

I am so excited for my new journey ahead, but I am  going to truly miss this apt.

This has been my home for 2 years and a lot has happened in my life while living here.

I'm going to miss the amazing summer days on our huge balcony people watching and I am going to miss coming home to apt.2 on days that have lasted too long.

However, moving on in my life and knowing I am going to live alone for the first time in my life is exhilarating.

Can I tell you my favorite part?

Decorating my apt.

I get to do WHATEVER my little heart desires to this apt. 

The fact I am not sharing it with anyone means that I can hang anything I want where ever I want.

I can pick the colors for the apartment that I like and not have to worry if its going to be okay for someone else?

I just can't wait.

The fact I will be living alone is a scary thought for myself.

I know I'll be safe, for my building is completely secure, but more of the fact I will be with my thoughts a lot more often.

I hope to grow as a person in this year ahead more than I ever have before this point.

I will have no one to turn to, and I will need to learn to balance on my own two feet.

I'm so excited for this new step in my life and I can't wait to see and feel the outcome.

As you could have guessed, I have been Pinterest'ing like a crazy person.

I cannot wait to decorate my apt.

I really want a mature and put together apartment.

Here are some ideas:

I want a very crisp and clean apartment and something very simplistic. 

I cannot wait to find new pieces to add to my home collection in the next few weeks.....

I also am so obsessed with chalk paint and I plan to have at least one area in my apt made up of this...

Color Scheme:

I really like the idea of greys ( light grey, dark grey ), white and an accent color.

My landlord said I could paint the walls whatever color I would like and that I can "let my imagination run wild."

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Last night I went and saw a band called "Youth Lagoon" at Urban Lounge.

They were awesome.

They really are a talented duo and his voice is so distinct, I absolutely love it.

Check them out:

Click to listen to Youth Lagoon!!!!

About Youth Lagoon....

The only issue I had with the show was the crowd.

I do not understand some people?

Why would you pay to buy a ticket to see a band and talk the WHOLE entire time?

Powers, the lead singer actually brought himself to say a few times to the group of people in Urban that they were talking too much.

There was never a moment of just silence to really and truly appreciate the music they were creating.

It's sad that some people don't care.

Second, there was the most obnoxious human being there that I have ever seen at a show.

He would turn on his iPhone light and just flash it in the crowd.

Like, really? Who does this?

Just being obnoxious because he's drunk and only came because his friends dragged him.

( This I know, for my friend Joe knew him.)

I just wish that people had respect of others who came to actually see the band.

But, I'm not going to let these little things bother me enough to not be stoked still on the performance we saw.

They seriously kick some major ass.

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My daily routine.

An amazing vodka drink that Danika made.

Trust me, these sneak up on you, and fast!!!!

Isn't it just the cutest think you have ever seen?

Oasis lunch.

Soooooo good.

Curry vegetable soup and grilled potatoes.

( I cannot constitute soup a meal unless I pair it with something else, so the waiter was kind enough to make up this delicious, delicious grilled potato platter for me - best part of the meal by far. )

I hope you all have a wonderful one ahead of you.

I will try to keep up on my blog better than I have and I can't' wait to keep you up on my apt and the changes that are going to occur in my life.

LOVE.

XOXO.

A Real Touchy Subject....

Religion.

This I think could be the most touchy subject to talk about right next to politics,

but I'm bringing it up now because I heard some nasty comments this morning that I do not agree with.

When I got my usual coffee this morning I over heard two chatty women discussing a co-worker of theirs who doesn't believe in the same religion they believe in.

They were saying things along the lines of, " she may think she is having fun now, but she won't be saved in the end."

Excuse me?

Really?

I was appalled.

Here is how I feel about Religion,

if you care to listen.....

First off, I truly and honestly believe that EVERYONE has the right to follow which ever religion they desire.

I don't think that people should be patronized or judged for the morals and beliefs they have for themselves, it's their right as a person on this Earth to believe what they will.

I personally do not believe in religion.

I do believe there is a higher power than just us as people, but I can't say if I know it's a God?

I believe there is good and bad and I believe in possible life after death.

Maybe not the idea that we go to a different world and live a new life, but that the energy we have either stays here or goes elsewhere.

I try to be open about ideas of this and will not ever be someone who says " I know! "

I grew up Catholic and went to Catholic school from the time I was an infant to my last year of high school.

My mother is very devout Catholic and my father, is well, open.

He believes in the main teachings of Buddhism and reincarnation.

My father never pushed his ideas on to my own and let my mother raise me Catholic for as long as she could.

Now, don't get me wrong. I think there is much about the Catholic religion I still believe, but I can't say I am "Catholic."

Going to years and years of Catholic school I didn't like the idea that you had to follow certain guidelines in order to go to heaven after death.

I personally do not think that anyone, God or not, should be able to judge you and be able to make the choice if you will be saved or not.

I think it comes down to the kind of person you are.

I believe living everyday to help others and look after the people around you.

I believe you should be a good person and do what you can to better the community and world you are in now.

I think growing up in a very Mormon state was always hard, but with time and age I have come to just respect their beliefs.

They may not be the same as mine, but who am I to say what they should or shouldn't believe in.

I have some great friends who are Mormon and I may not agree with everything they believe in, and vis-versa, but at the end of the day neither of us judge the other for what they honor.

We are friends for reason's outside of that and that is what we care about and choose to love about the other.

They don't push their beliefs on me and I don't do the same to them.

I don't pressure them to drink and they don't tell me not to drink.

( Usually the hardest issue between the two.)

But, it's a level of respect I think everyone should have for another.

I guess what I am trying to say is I don't think people should judge others.

I can't imagine that if you believe in God he wants you to talk bad about other people?

I just suggest that everyone keep an open mind about the way people choose to worship and live your life the best way you know how.

At the end of the day it will make the life you live more worth it for yourself :)

LOVE.

XOXO.

The Pattern Game.

I am usually not the most fond of mixing patterns, mostly because I wonder.... " Am I going to pull this off? " or " Are people going to look at me and think it was an obvious laundry day?"

 But guess what? I don't care and It's fun.

Sometimes when I put together outfits like this I feel like a child again.

My mother never told me how to dress growing up and you should see some of the outfits I came up with....

I knew that both of these pattern's wouldn't go extremely well together but I still sported them.

Sometimes this is just what you must do...

Be brave, it's what fashion is about.

P.S. You know its bad when your father says to you, " Hilary, animal print and stripes? Do you know they are different? " Ha.

I mean, lets get real, this is coming from a man who finds it appropriate to wear a jean shirt and jeans.

I have seen this happening out there on the streets lately and in fashion, but no thank you.

I will never pick up on that fashion backwards move.

Shirt: F21. Cardigan: The Gap. Pants: Roxy. Shoes: Dexter. Necklace: F21. Earrings: F21.

Now ladies, lets go find the two most absurd things in our closet and show off our distinct style!

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Let me share with you another thing I haven't done in a VERY LONG while :

Straightening my hair.

I usually think it turns out dopy, but I really wanted to try something different than the usual waves I sport every day.

I bought a new Pixi hair straightener and it really does amazing things.

My hair has never gotten this strait from other ceramic tools. 

I highly recommend this.

Have a good one everyone and fashion forward!

( I love when I post outfits because I think I am the least likely person you should listen too about fashion, but it's fun to hopefully inspire people to think outside of the box. )

EXTRAS!

A Little warm Valentines card two of my favorites sent to the apartment:

Ok girls, thanks for being HORRIBLY cute!

*: Kisses :*

It's real

The tickets came in the mail... FINALLY!

SASQUATCH TICKETS!!!!

LOVE.

XOXO.