Satisfaction.

It’s Day 8 of the 30 Day Challenge, which means I’m one week in and still going strong! Today’s topic is….satisfaction.

A moment you felt the most satisfied with your life.

Does NOW count?

I can honestly say that since moving back to school this past fall semester I have felt very satisfied with my life. Having my own space in my apartment has worked wonders on my sanity. In case you’re wondering living in a dorm freshman year then moving back home sophomore year to live with heathens your 14 and 13 year old siblings is hard on your mental stability.

 

Does it look like she tried to kill me earlier...because she did.

Last fall was also my first semester as a real Ad/PR student. As in I got into the ‘prestigious’ program that I’ve been stressing over getting into since freshman year! And I went to my first internship fair, Intern Pursuit, and landed a real internship on my first try!

I am also currently very happy with myself for starting this blog since it is giving me an excuse to write, which is something indispensable in PR, and I just like it! I’m still running…anyone else surprised besides me? And also still committed to my year of being a vegetarian, much to the dismay of my family and boyfriend. But I like it …so there.

All of that being said for me a lot of satisfaction comes from spending time with my loved ones. I’m excited to say that this spring and summer a lot of time is going to be spent with my family, and I literally cannot wait!

Can't wait to see you Dad!

As usual I’m not quite sure if I answered in a conventional manner since I did not really give a ‘moment’ but oh well! I’m basically the most satisfied I have ever been right now…

Blog Post done? Check! Coffee? Check! Ready for piles of homework...?

…with the exception that I still have a whole bunch of Ancient Egypt homework that is due tomorrow, a speech to critique, and a speech to be researched and written. Yes, I am a procrastinator.

To continue my procrastination….If you follow me on twitter you saw that I did indeed run 7 miles yesterday and rewarded myself with a trip to Target! Where I bought lots of things I didn’t really need but wanted. Here is a review of a new and satisfying product I found.

As I was walking down the cereal and cracker aisle, a place I try to avoid, to get Goldfish, don’t judge me I like them and I buy whole grain version, BettterOats, skinny little boxes of oatmeal packets, caught my eye. I was immediately intrigued and it was only $1.70, so why not. Good job marketing department you got me. They had plenty of other varieties and the chocolate oats caught my eye but I went with the 100 calorie one, yes I give into gimmicks like that.

I decided to make a bowl this morning and noticed that since I was on a Target high last night I missed the fact that although there is no added ‘sugar’ one ingredient is ‘sucrcose’.

it's just 'artificial' sugar.

It was good…not amazing, just good. I don’t know if it was my imagination but I think it had a little bit of an after taste? The box said it is supposed to leave you feeling satisfied for only 100 calories and it worked…but it’s oatmeal, so it usually does.

I know all you blogger eat beautiful, colorful bowls of oats...I'm boring, I know.

The coolest thing about this product was the fact that the little pouch that your oats come in was made to be used as a measuring cup for water or milk! And I must admit the little packets are convenient and would be great to take to work! I just might have to try the chocolate non-diet type…you know for research purposes.

Questions for You!

What do you need in life to be satisfied?

Have you tried any new products worth sharing?

Do obvious clever marketing devices ever work on you?

Comment Here!

Perfectionist.

Day 7

Your Zodiac sign and if you think it fits your personality.

I thought this questions was interesting since a few weeks ago everyone was in such a tizzy over the possible shift in zodiac sign dates. Astronomers are in debate about the issue so no real consensus has been reached but I was really surprised that everyone was so defensive about a possible change in their zodiac.

I sometimes read my horoscope in the back of magazines but don’t take it to too seriously. That being said it just so happens that I am a Virgo with or without the change of dates and it kind of fits me perfectly.

Here are some snippets about Virgos I found on astrology.com and their ‘Grace meanings’

Virgo: Those born under this sign are forever the butt of jokes for being so picky and critical (and they can be), but their ‘attention to detail’ is for a reason: to help others.

Grace: Make fun of me for taking 5 minutes to order my meal if you want but my powers can be used for good.

 

One time when my ordering isn't a problem. I LOVE Froyo!

Virgo: Some might consider them repressed, although Virgos would argue that it’s a noble quality, as opposed to a negative one.

Grace: You might call me a prude and I might stick out like a sore thumb at a party, but I’m just being my usual gracious and dignified self.

Kahlua is dignified, right?

Virgo: The bane of many Virgos is the perfectionism that can get in the way of their usual clear thinking.

Grace: The reason I will never be able to fully enjoy the peacefulness of yoga. “There is no way I am doing this pose right.”

 

The set up.

Virgo: Virgos are also neat and clean, save for the occasional sloppy Virgin (they do exist).

Grace: My room may be spotless, my closet may be color coded and organized by type of clothing but it may take me 10 minutes to find something in my purse.

Spotless!

Virgo: Virgos are extremely health conscious, to the point of being storehouses of information on diet and hygiene.

Grace: Yes, I can tell you how many calories are in what you’re eating right now.

So...half of each of these equal how many calories?

Virgo: The benefits of exercise are far more important to Virgo than the process itself.

Grace: I know it is good for me but will I ever really ‘love’ panting, sweating, and feeling like I’m going to pass out? Probably not.

Best.Workout.Partner.Ever.

Virgo: When it comes to the game of love, Virgos are able to loosen up somewhat and are devoted to their lovers, even if they can be a bit jealous.

Grace: I love my man and only my man! So to all you annoyingly pretty girls who check him out in public I will give you an incredibly dirty look.

Ladies, you don't want him he's a public menace. Just look at this blatant disregard of that sign.

Virgo: The great strength of the Virgo-born is in their practicality, sharp mind and attention to detail. When merged with their willingness to serve, Virgos become essential helpmates. They can be picky — so what?

Grace: I’m might be a perfectionist and act like a crazy person sometimes but I mean well…really I do!

 

Check out the chair!

I’ll end with today’s horoscope!

Virgo: Resist the urge to walk off the set before all of your scenes are shot today. In other words, you won’t be finished until every loose end is tied up in a neat little bow, so don’t attempt an early exit. (It could come back to haunt you.) Following through with tasks can be frustrating, but it’s necessary, and it’s a trait you should cultivate. Certain powerful people greatly admire this characteristic … certain powerful people you wish would greatly admire you.

Grace: You may have a small cold but don’t give into the temptations to ditch your 7 mile run and copious amounts of Ancient Egypt homework. Your blog readers will admire you for it=)

Questions for You!

What is your zodiac sign, does it fit you?

Would your zodiac sign change with the new ‘discovery’?

Comment Here!

Random Assortment.

Day 6…continued!

Here are the last 15 facts about me! These are just random  things that I could find a picture or video to go with since I was exhaustingly wordy in the first half of this day’s challenge! Sorry=/

16) I would wear a frilly skirt to any and all running/walking events if my loved ones weren’t so embarrassed when I do.

 

Me and my grammy at the Breast Cancer Walk in Daytona! She was the longest survivor and we pushed her over the bridges!

17) I’m a wonderful babysitter…just watch!

Hello Grace! What is that zipper for?

18) I want to travel to a ton of places all over the world but one of my favorite vacations was last spring in our very own nation’s Capital, Washington, D.C.

Wandering around D.C. It was a fabulous weekend of sightseeing, eating, and miles of walking!

19) My sister is so much cooler than me…in all aspects=)

20) One of my ‘pet names’ is Lumpkin. Lovely, right?

We say this sign while road tripping it to Birmingham and had to stop to take a picture!

21) On of the best nights of my life was spent playing Mini Golf in Panama City Beach

We are all so mean…John David basically entertained us the whole entire night. It may have been the most I’ve ever laughed in one night!

22) I was a ‘drama nerd’ in high school!

As the 'waitress' in The Philadelphia!

23) When Rob is added to the equation I become a better babysitter…?

24) I hate spin-y rides…

Having fun yet?

25) 3 year olds can beat me up.

Funny how I didn’t see that coming. and don’t you love my aunts laugh? It is the best!

26) I spent last Thanksgiving on a private island with my family in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay!

Breathtaking!

 

27) I endlessly forget when I have my camera on movie mode and try to take pictures.

Unfortunately I really am that clueless.

28) I don’t think I’ve been home for Rob’s Birthday once in the 6 years we’ve been dating but I try to make up for it will fun gifts!

Helicopter ride+Orlando Science Center+Melting Pot= One Great Birthday

 

29) I love camping! That was an amazing night filled with s’mores, arnold palmers, games lit by headlamp, and wait for it…that’s right more sugar!

Making our very own creation Campfire Nerds Rope!

30) I am a VERY loud sneezer. There is no video of this because….frankly it’s not pretty. But you can take my word for it because I have sneezed about 10 times today.

I am feeling a little under the weather so I will blame the randomness of this post on that fact! The videos all made me smile and crack up as I watched them which me feel a lot better!

Comment Here!

No Pictures Please!

Check out the finish line behind me!

Hello There! Today is Day 6 of The 30 Day Challenge! This week there’s been some fun posts and some more serious post but I’ve been looking forward to this post since Day 1!

Write 30 interesting facts about yourself.

I’m going to intertwine last night and today’s happenings into the first 15 facts…check back later tonight for the other 15 random facts!

1) I am really awkward at college house parties.

Last night one of Rob’s old friends was celebrating his 21^st, Happy Birthday Shane, and some of Rob’s best friends came down from FSU to celebrate so we made a brief appearance due to the fact that we had to wake up at 5:30. It was my first time at a party like this and I am pretty sure the whole 20 minutes I was there people were looking at me and thinking, “Who is the really awkward, lost looking girl?”

2) I don’t sleep well when I am anxious.

I got to sleep around 1:30 and my alarm was set for 5:30 but I also saw 3:30, 4:30, and 5 along with lots of tossing and turning plus a trip to the potty.

Good Morning! This is my excited face!

3) I get extremely excited about races in theme parks!

I signed up for The 30^th Annual Dick Batchelor 5k Run for the Children as soon as I saw that it was at Universal Studios! I think I even got butterflies when the Universal skyline came into sight as we drove to the race on I-4 this morning!

4) I am embarrassed very easily.

While running through the new Harry Potter area in Islands of Adventure I stopped to take a quick picture with the Hogwarts Express and an older female park employee yelled over at me, “No stopping! Keep moving!” and I said I was just getting a quick picture and she said, “There’s no pictures allowed! Keep moving!” I couldn’t help but feel like I’d been scolded like a child in front of about 30 people.

5) I also find myself disappointed easily when I have built something up in my head.

One of the main reasons I was so thrilled about this race was because I was not only going to get to see the new Harry Potter area but also run through it! So I was really let down when my moment was ruined.

Disney Princess Half 2010...with all the Disney Princes

6) I am a Disney person.

The first thing that came to my mind after getting over being yelled at was, “that would have never happened at Disney World.” Disney not only always allows photos but also has characters and sets along the way just so you can take pictures! Sea World even had Santa and other characters available at the Reindeer Run. Universal had nothing like this set up and Disney employees also blew Universal employees out of the water in terms of cheering and supporting the runners.

7) I struggle with negative self talk.

After the no picture debacle I had a serious loss of motivation. My jaw has also been cracking and locking up during the whole race, it was very weird and bothersome. I started having a pain in my hip…what am I am old lady. I just kept thinking, “this race is not going well.”

Don't even try and cheer me up=(

8) Motivational words don’t help me all the time.

Rob can run much faster than me and kept his pace right ahead of mine so he could snap pictures, non-Harry Potter related pictures were acceptable I guess? Since I was no longer in a perky mood his slightly faster pace made me feel slow and instead of hearing him say, “Come On! Keep your pace! You’re doing great!” I heard, “Come On. You are slowing down. You’re not making an effort.”

9) I made a new 5k PR today.

We finished at 30:04, which is better than last summers Expedition Everest Challenge 5k team time of 35:44. Pretend like you’re impressed.

Finished!

10) I think watermelon is the best post race snack!

I’ve never had watermelon available at the end of a race before but it hit the spot and boosted my mood.

Blue Barracuda! Told you he was talented!

11) I love being complimented.

Rob was amazingly sweet and told me how proud he was of me that I didn’t stop once, except for the stupid picture see I’m still not over it. His complement worked wonders on my attitude as we enjoyed the sunny walk back to the car!

Veg'd Out Omelet

12) I could eat breakfast for every meal.

We decided to head to First Watch for breakfast, it was my second time there and I forgot how amazing the menu is.

Just a friendly reminder for when I act like a grumpy-pants!

13) I love random cheery messages.

This was drawn on the beautiful specials menu at breakfast and I love it!

Pure Delicious-ness!

14) I adore Carrot Cake Pancakes.

I’m not even sure that I knew such a thing even existed before this morning but boy am I glad I know now! And yes I ordered this in additon to my other plate of food. We shared so don’t judge me because it was perfect. It didn’t taste like carrot cake but like a cinnamon-y pancakes with heavenly carrot, pecan, and raisins mixed in!

15) I ride an emotional roller coaster on some days.

Like today, clearly. Sorry for the bipolar post!

Questions for You!

Have you ever had a situation where you were upset and couldn’t shake it?

What can make your mood perk up when you’re feeling down?

Comment Here!

Into the light…

Day 5

A time you thought about ending your life.

Never. I have never considered ending my own life. My motto is to love the life you live. It is tragedy when you are placed in a hard situation where something is getting in the way of you loving your life. I have triumphed over the very small struggles my life has presented me but I am not ignorant to the fact that there are millions of people struggling everyday with issues that I could never even imagine. And it breaks my heart to know that someone is so unhappy that they could take their own life.

I have been particularly shocked with the recent suicides of young people due to bullying in grade schools and even colleges. I honestly don’t even know what else to say about this topic besides that it is sickeningly sad to me. Instead of sitting here writing and rewriting sentence after sentence I’ve decided to do what I can to support this cause in an effort to prevent suicides.

My apartment complex has a team walking in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Out of the Darkness Community Walks. I made a fundraising goal of $50 dollars. If you can donate $1 dollar I’d be thrilled but if I’d be even more thrilled if you go on to afsp’s website and find a community walk of your own to attend and help bring the topic of suicide out of the dark and into the light!

Donate Here!

Find a Local Walk Here!

Comment Here!

Walk by Faith.

Day 4

Your view on religion?

The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults, And with my song I shall thank Him.-Psalm 28:7

I believe in God. How could I possibly believe that I am blessed with this wonderful life by coincidence?

When I am home I attend The First United Methodist Church of Port Orange and when I am here at school I try to attend services at a local church. I am very privileged because my church offers a contemporary service where we rock out praise to contemporary music and my pastor makes an effort to relate to everyone in the crowd. I grew up going to youth group and I think it played a big part of who I am today.

But what are my thoughts on religion?

“Judge not, that you be not judged.”-Matthew 7:1

I am not here to judge anyone and I expect the same in return. I would never try to shove my views down someone’s throat nor would I dislike them simply based upon the fact that we believe in different things. The United Methodist motto is Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors. And I completely agree. Fun fact: Methodists are also known for their love of potlucks and social events based around food…I agree again.

"With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love."- Ephesians 4:2

Questions for you!

What religion do you practice?

Are there any verses or phrases popular in your religion that you’d like to share?

Comment Here!

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Prude-y.

Day 3

Your views on drugs and alcohol?

You can call me Prudy McPrude-Pants. Thank you.

I am 21 (as you saw), I can legally drink, and I rarely do. Mainly because there aren’t many alcoholic beverages that I enjoy and why waste the calories if you don’t enjoy it! For example in my video I had a Wood Chuck in my hand, I told the waiter that I didn’t like beer or any sort of strong drinks but wanted a drink since it was my 21st birthday. He brought me the ‘cider’ and what did it taste like? Beer.  It may seem surprising that I don’t care too much for alcohol, especially beer, since I am in college, you know how college kids ‘party’, but I don’t need alcohol to have fun. Honestly I find most festivities that center around alcohol to be boring with the exception of watching people makes fools of themselves, which is funny sad.

When everyone started rebelled and partying in high school, I always wondered why they thought it was so cool to drink something that tastes like carbonated pee, not that I’ve ever drank pee, yuck! I am pretty positive my immunity from the whole let’s go party thing was from my parents who were always very open about alcohol. It was never taboo and I was always allowed to try some of what they were drinking. If you let a ten year old try a daiquiri it will probably result in cringing, spitting it out, and asking, “Why do you drink this stuff?” in case you were wondering.

I am also sort of a control freak, border line OCD, so being drunk and then hung over is only someone voluntarily losing control of their body in a very bad way. Disclaimer: I am not trying to be judgmental or put people down who enjoy going out drinking, this is only my opinion, which is what the challenge is about. I think it is perfectly fine for people of age to go out and have a good time as long as they are responsible.

Party like it's your Birthday! Responsibly though!

With all that being said I am not a complete prude. I like Mikes Hard Lemonade (someone tell me where to find the ‘light’ version, please!), Kahlua (with milk and ice!), Bailey’s in hot chocolate or coffee, and those girly wine cooler thingys. I also enjoy a fun game of ‘No-Beer Pong’ every once in a while, it’s a game I invented where I play Beer Pong as Rob’s partner and don’t drink any beer!

Fridge stash! Notice the 'wine' a.k.a. sparkling grape juice=)

Anyone want to take a guess at my opinion on drugs? It’s illegal for a reason people.Live Above the Influence!

Questions for you!

What is your favorite alcoholic beverage?

Anything to add about drugs or alcohol?

Comment Here!

Let’s Get Curious!

Yesterday I spent a good hour and a half to two hours reading about Curious George and then exploring the Curious George website! Why? For my internship of course! The Orlando Science Center has a new exhibit opening in about three weeks called you guessed it… Let’s Get Curious! I’m the membership intern which means I get to work on some ‘Member Only’ events and when a new exhibit comes in members get the first look and and more! I had to come up with the ‘more’ part for the Curious George opening. Here is what I came up with thanks to the PBS website!

Homemade Pinwheels! I made this!

So why do you care about Curious George? Besides reading his books or watching his show with cute little people like these ones…

Josie being a Monkey!

John David being Curious! Caught you!

You care because while scrolling through printable coloring pages I found a recipe…and it was really good!

Ingredients!

*Step 1* When mashing doesn't work...extra cool points if you have a retro processor?

Appetizing...?

Crispy on the outside thanks to my amazing stone!

Dinner in one color scheme.

I really enjoyed me burger! I kept two in the fridge for leftovers and froze the rest for later use! The only thing I would say was that you might want to use all whole eggs because I think subbing in egg whites made them a little dry. Nothing my favorite condiment BBQ sauce can’t fix though! This would be really fun vegetarian dish to make with kids especially since they get dirty!

I wanted to leave you with the perfect soundtrack to make these ‘burgers’ to!

Questions for you!

Have you ever found a recipe in an unexpected place?

What fun recipes have you made with kids? I love making pizzas with my cousins!

Busy and messy little hands!

Comment Here!

Tempted?

I know I am.

 

It smells really good.

 

Maybe just a little bite?

 

Fine. A sniff will have to do for now...

Update: T-minus 1 week until I can have my sweets back!

I made these little babies for my friend Shay who turned 21 on January 3rd. Happy Very Belated Birthday!

Freshman Year Throwback! Beautiful Birthday Girl!

Shay is a mind-bogglingly busy girl, she’s on high demand because she is an incredibly talented actor, singer, dancer, and all around smarty pants and has to spread her talent all around campus. So when she had free time to celebrate her birthday with me I couldn’t refuse even if my slacker self didn’t have time to make her a birthday treat.

In case you’re not a Floridian… there was yucky weather in Central Florida tonight so I clearly I thought, “tornado warning…perfect time for some baking!”

I happened upon this recipe on girl meets life., thanks for the amazing recipe Gracie -love your blog! I thought of Shay’s Birthday as soon as I saw them! I wasn’t quite sure what they were but they looked yummy…and they’re adjustable because they start with a cake mix!

I adapted the recipe a teensy bit and have decided to call them Fill-in-the-Blank Cake Batter Blondies. For Shay I made Funfetti Cake Batter Blondies, using Funfetti cake mix (obviously), flower sprinkles, and chopped up Hershey’s Cookies and Cream Bar!
__________ Cake Batter Blondies

Ingredients:
1 box of your choice of cake mix
1/4 cup canola oil
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup of cute sprinkles
1/2 cup yummy chocolate mix-in
1) Combine the first four ingredients in a large bowl.
2) Add the milk in increments. The batter should be dense not at all runny so pay close attention as you add the milk.
3) Mix in the fun stuff a.k.a. sprinkles and chocolate
4) Bake for 25-30 minutes at 350 degrees. They may appear underdone but they’ll set up nicely after cooling.

Ingrediants.

Yummy Chocolate Mix-In...yes please!

Steps one and two.

Step three=)

Gooey Yummi-ness... I assume.

Confession. I am a huge cheater and since I cannot eat these right now I am freezing a few for my later enjoyment. Shay if you by chance read this these are coming your way tomorrow when the weather has cleared up a bit! And don’t worry I won’t send you the one I was trying not to eat!

Questions for you!

Do you have any awesome cake mix recipes? I love the cake mix doctor cookbooks!

Have you ever had to make something you can’t actually eat? This happens sometimes since I’m the only vegetarian in my family.

Comment Here!