Workout Wednesday - Running Shoes

Running is great workout to incorporate into your day to day schedule, but before you start training for that 5K or even going for a jog down the road, it's important to treat your feet right by purchasing the best running shoes. Although quality running shoes can be expensive, they are worth the money because no matter what you have to treat your feet right. With a good pair of running shoes you don't have to worry about blisters, sore feet or twisting an ankle.
 Personally, I switch between 2 different pairs because although they each have their positive and negative traits, they balance each other out. My original pair of running shoes I used was made by Adidas and purchased from MC Sports.

I really like this pair and probably just for the fact that they provide amazing support for my weak ankles. Whenever I wear this pair my ankles don't hurt at all, even if I run day after day. However, I wouldn't recommend these to people who have flat feet. I think this pair was made for people who have an arched foot because I have a slightly flat foot and if I run to long they tend to become uncomfortable; which is why I purchased my second pair of shoes.

Now, this pair is my absolute favorite pair of shoes, even though they provide little ankle support. These Nike Free Runs, purchased at Dicks Sporting Goods, are my go to shoes. I use them for running, working at the library, shopping, school - you name it and I will most likely be wearing these raspberry colored shoes. These are my first pair of Nike's and I absolutely love them. They have a thin sole, which is preferable for running shoes so your leg muscles can form properly, and the longer you wear them, the more they mold to your foot. These are also lightweight and breathable; not to mention they are super adorable and come in hundreds of customizable colors:)
I will link MC Sports and Dick's Sporting Goods below if you are interested in looking at running shoes yourself.
Happy Workout Wednesday!
SEB
:)
http://www.mcsports.com/
http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/home/index.jsp

DIY Monday - Paper Flower

Hello World!
For my first DIY Monday I really wanted to create something that everybody could make, but also something that each of us could customize to our own interests. Having no fresh ideas in my cranium, I hopped on www.pintrest.com and browsed through the DIY board, looking for something to fit my needs. Lucky for me, I found a giant paper flower someone had made out of patterned scrapbook paper. So, I set to work on Friday gathering the materials needed and began cutting out the flower petals.

As you can see, I laid out my paper on the right to keep it semi-organized, with my glue, scissors and petal 'stencils' to the left. To create the stencils, I drew the desired shape out on a white index card, than traced that shape onto the pretty paper for the petals. I made 3 sizes of stencils, with the largest being about 3 inches long and the smallest about 1 inch long.
On Pintrest, the lady who created the idea used a large black canvas, but I thought black poster board worked just as well, plus it was cheaper:)
After working on my flower for the course of a weekend, I finally finished it. And I must say, I am pretty pleased with the end result.

This idea is so fun and crafty and makes a perfect wall decoration, especially when paired with a simple black frame. Personally, I loved creating this. It did take some time (you have to glue all those petals down!!!!) but  I loved that I got to choose which paper I used and if I incorporated any sort of a pattern. Which I didn't. But I simply adore this giant flower thing and am so glad I got to share it!

Happy DIY Monday!

SEB

:)

BB Cream

Happy Fashion Friday!
Okay, so for this post I'm talking about BB Cream and just how awesome it is. Because, come on everyone, let's face it. This miracle stuff is a 3-in-1. Where else do you find a tinted, moisturizing sunscreen for a good price?? I use the Garnier BB Cream, Skin Renew in the shade Light/Medium from ULTA and I absolutely cannot live without this stuff.

(Sorry for the bad picture; I was doing this at night and I didn't want to wake-up everyone by turning on all the lights:P)
Essentially, BB Cream is a beauty balm that replaces sunscreen, moisturizer and foundation while also creating a luminous look. Possibly the greatest thing about BB Cream is that it replaces all the bottles and tubes on my vanity, plus it is incredibly easy to apply. I have put away the moisturizers and the toners and my Merle Norman Dual-Action Spot treatment and I just use a pea sized amount of this every morning.
Originally I got this to use as a quick foundation for the days I go into school, but I have used it every day this summer. I rub it in with my hands but you can also use a brush or sponge. And I really like how cheap it is because as a college girl, I don't have a ton of spending money considering it all goes towards books and gas and savings.
Another great thing about this product is that you can buy it anywhere. I know for sure that Ulta, Wal-Mart and Walgreens carry different types of BB Cream. Maybelline, L'Oreal, Aveeno, Covergirl and Olay all produce it, but I grabbed Garnier because it was the first one I saw at Ulta in my limited shopping time. Okay, that's all I have to say about BB Cream. Hope you guys enjoyed it and found this entry helpful! Happy Fashion Friday!
SEB
:)

Workout Wednesday - Couch to 5K

Hello world and happy Workout Wednesday!
 Sorry for posting later than I planned; I was out cutting hay with CH on his family farm but I've been looking forward to entering this story all day. To start my first Workout Wednesday, I would like to introduce the workout I do now. Now, working out is something I enjoy doing, yet it is also very time consuming. Since I work at the library and with my folks at home, I am always looking for a quick workout with proven results.
During March and April I did Insanity, and let me tell you, unless you have the time to spend a whole day recovering from an INSANE workout, Insanity might not be the best choice. However, my schedule was empty, so everyday I worked out for 45 minutes with Shaun T, the fitness coach on the show. Insanity was a great core workout and I especially loved the motivational words Shaun T gave us during each workout. "You can freaking do it." Let's just say that became my motto during the two month program.
 Sadly, I finished the Insanity workout and was looking for another workout.
 Lucky for me, my good friend SG and I had been talking as we worked the front desk at the library. When she told me about the Couch to 5K plan, I was pretty interested. I mean, I can rock that couch workout. I'm pro at sitting all day watching Netflix, but running a 5K? I think it's safe to say I was a little doubtful. I've never run a 5K in my life, so how could I run one in 9 weeks? But after printing off the plan and pulling on my running shoes, I nervously began the workout. I say nervously because I am not a runner. I breathe like I'm dying and sweat pours down my face after the first minute.
Although I'm possibly one of the worst joggers in the world, the program was easier than I thought, plus it only takes 20 minutes total.
Now, after 3 weeks of running, I can already see and feel the improvements on my body. I'm noticing that my legs feel stronger and my endurance is increasing. Although the workout is pretty basic, I love it because it works your legs, lungs and core. After doing 3 weeks of the Couch to 5K program, I deem it the almost perfect workout for the busy person. I say 'almost' because it works several areas of your body at once except for your arms. In addition to the program, I lift weights to keep my arms toned up for tank top season. Even so, I kinda like running now thanks to the simple program:) I will link the official website for the Couch to 5K workout down below. Happy Workout Wednesday!
SEB
:)
http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/

Little Bit of Me

Hello all! Just wanted to introduce myself to the blog world:)
I'm a small-town girl born in Nebraska and raised in Missouri, and I absolutely LOVE life! I recently graduated from High School (YAY!) and am looking forward to attending college in the fall. Some of my favorite things in life are hanging with CH, singing, playing the violin (it's been 8 years since I began!) organizing everything, which is also a bonus for my mother since she has a clean house, attempting DIY projects, gardening, keeping up with the latest fashion and doing my make-up; my little sister says I'm just coloring my face:)
When I was a little girl I dreamt of writing books about the circus and I used to brag about how one day I would write a best seller and be rich.... Well, writing a book would take up way too much of my precious time that could be used for, hey, studying or hanging with the 2 year boyfriend, CH, so I decided to create this thingie.
At work the other day, one of the ladies I work with suggested I do a Workout Wednesday and a Fashion Friday, with Monday reserved for organizing/DIY projects. I totally agree with her, yet it may be every other Mondays that I upload something. After all, I am a student and still need time to study and be involved:P
Happy almost Monday!
Just kidding, I hate Mondays... Look for me on Wednesday!

SEB
:)

Starting out as a Blogger

Hey everyone! The year of 2013 must be the year for starting new things because look out! Here I go again trying my hand at something I've never done. I decided to create a blog the other day when I was cruising YouTube and decided to join the Internet community. Not being brave enough to post videos, yet being comfortable enough with writing, I decided to become a blogger. But than the thought hit me.... What do people blog about?
The next day, after 8 hours of working at the library, I headed home and made a list of all my passions. Then, when it was completed and I had went through the step-by-step process of actually setting up the blog (it's harder than it seems) I decided what to write about. Fashion, make-up and working out are some of my passions, along with DIY projects and organizing. So if you are a high school or college girl needing tips and advice on all of the above, please read on!

SEB
:)