CHOCOLATE

I was whipping up a batch of cookies for a bake sale tomorrow and thought; hey why not? I'll share it with y'all. It's a super simple ghiradeli recipe, but it's so yummy!

Y U M 

Ingrideients:

2 1/4 cup unsalted flour

1tsp baking soda 

1/2 tsp salt 

2 tsp vanilla 

3/4 cup sugar 

3/4 brown sugar 

1 cup (2 sticks) butter softened 

2 eggs

2 cups ghiradeli chocolate chips 

Directions: 

-Preheat oven to 375

-Stir flour with baking soda and salt; set aside

-In large mixing bowl, beat butter, sugar, and brown sugar at medium speed until creamy 

-Add vanilla and eggs one at a time, mix on low speed until incorporated

-Gradually blend dry mixture into creamed mixture.

-Stir in chocolate chips 

-Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown

COOL AND ENJOY 

Xoxo,

Faith 

Fall Nail Favorites- Julep

H A P P Y    W E D N E S D A Y

With fall quickly approaching, I thought I'd share my favorite fall nail polishes. I'm obsessed with nail colors the different seasons bring. I like to think of myself as an 'in between' kinda girl. Spring and fall are my favorite seasons, and I love LOVE the deep fall colors!

Above, I've provided swatches of my four favorite colors. I am obsessed with maroons, metallics, and of course I love a fun pop of blue! Julep polishes are amazing! The packaging is slim which makes it easy for storage, and the color selection is so wide. Here is what the polishes look like swatched on my nails:

This is with only one coat and no top coat! They are super shiny on their own, which is great for when you need to hurry! Let's be honest, sometimes you just have to pick your polish based on what will dry the quickest. These polishes definetly pass that test. Also, the colors do not chip easily! 

Here is a link where you can find these polishes:

www.julep.com

Have a happy afternoon!

Xoxo,
Faith 

Proverbs 3:5

Chaos has been all around me lately. With the seasons dwindling down, and school starting up again; needless to say, it's been pretty crazy here at my house. Many of you know that I graduated back in May, so it's been chaos for my sister and brothers who are head back this year. It has been so weird for me not being the one who is headed back to school this time around. I often find myself worrying and questioning God and his plans for my life. I often find myself worrying and questioning god and his timing. Trust me, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God has it all under control, but I'm human, and I'm a girl, and a planner; need I go on? *haha In all seriousness though, I realize that I need to knock off my worrying and realize that God has every little aspect of my life now, and forever, under control.

As I was reading my bible this morning I, not by coincidence, came across a verse in Proverbs.
Proverbs 3:5 'Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.'
Wow, thank you God! Sometimes, with life as crazy as it gets, we forget that we have an almighty father who is waiting right by our side to take all of our worries away. Isn't that awesome? And relieving too?! However, we always hold onto our worries because we're human and it's just what we do. This week, and from now on, I want to try harder than ever to make a conscious effort to remember that God is waiting for me to hand over my worries to him. I know that god is at work to lead me down a path of amazing destinations and blessings. Thank you Jesus for being there, always, no matter what.

I pray all of you all have an amazing and blessed week! Remember, God has it under control. Whatever it is, he has it under control; and EVERYTHING you might be going through is for a reason, and will only make you stronger.

Xoxo,
Faith

Listen To Your Body

H A P P Y    F R I D A Y 

Good morning guys! I had planned another #fridayfaves post for today, but I'm feeling icky and achy with a cold. 'Tis the season for the sniffles, I suppose! Anywho, it got me to thinking this morning just how important it is to listen to your body. Often, we get so caught up on a fast pace schedule, that we forget to slow down and listen to our bodies. Wednesdays are always rest days for me. Meaning, I do not workout on Wednesdays. Then, Thursday morning, this whole cold nonsense started. So basically, I've had three rest days in a row. I was feeling a bit down on myself about not working out for three days, but I know that my body needs this time of rest.

It is so SO important to listen to what your body is telling you. If you are starting to get sick or just extremely exhausted and achy, your body needs that time to rest. If you push yourself, you will just end up feeling even worse. I always like to remind myself of the saying; "You didn't become unhealthy overnight, and you most certainly won't fall back to where you started overnight, either." I absolutely love this saying because, when you first embark on a weight loss journey and results start coming, it becomes addicting and you want to keep going. So, naturally, when you become sick and don't workout for a few days, you feel like your withering your way back to where you were before you started. It's so important to remember that EVERY SINGLE calorie burned, every fat cell lost, every inch of fat gone, it ALL counts; and it doesn't just come creeping back overnight because you didn't workout that day. 

We only get one body, so respect it, and LISTEN when your body needs a break. 

Xoxo,

Faith 

Eye Candy

                                                       H A P P Y    W E D N E S D A Y

If you're trying to lose weight like me and don't eat actual candy, here is some eye candy for you! ;)
First of all, my chocolate craving has been REAL this week. Secondly, I am obsessed with this nail color I saw earlier in the week, I need to get my hands on it! Also, can anyone tell that I'm ready for fall/winter?!? This summer has been hot and long, and normally Wyoming doesn't get as hot as it was this year. Anyways, enough rambling! Hope you all are having a wonderful Wednesday!

Xoxo,
Faith

Simple is Okay

Hey guys! I hope you all had a great weekend! My weekend was great, but super busy and short! I missed my post Friday and planned on posting Saturday after my hair appointment. I got lowlights, and to me it's a BIG change and I love them! I took pictures to do a before and after but, there is really not a huge difference so I don't think I'm going to post on that after all.

Anyways, today I thought I'd just write a post talking to y'all. Sometimes I get a little carried away and pressure myself into believing I have to have some elaborate post every time, but you know what? Being simple is okay; and sometimes, simple is better. So, sometimes my posts are going to be just like this;  SIMPLE. If you guys have any ideas as to what sorts of topics you might like to read about or are interested in, let me know!

On another note, I had a HUGE fitness victory this morning. I met my goal of a solid fifteen laps this morning! I am not the best runner, and never have been, but my goal is to add a lap everyday until I can run thirty laps without stopping! I think I can, I think I can! Also, I got a killer leg workout in! I love when I just rock out my workouts, such a great feeling! Okay enough rambling, have a great start to your week everyone!

Xoxo,
Faith

Clean Eating & Fitness

Hey everyone,  H A P P Y   W E D N E S D A Y!

As many of you may know, I have been on a weight loss journey for quite some time now. I was extremely overweight and very unhappy in my own skin so, I decided to do something about it. I get texts and phone calls often of friends and family wondering what my 'trick,' or 'secret' is. My response is always the same; 'there is no secret.' Honestly, nothing that I have been doing is a secret. To break it down for you, I eat clean Monday through Friday, and exercise for thirty minutes to an hour daily. That's it. I use absolutely no supplements, or programs. Most people are shocked to hear this. I think that people often believe that programs or supplements are necessary, and truth is, they're not. Not that there is anything wrong with using programs or supplements; if you have the funding to do so, that's great, but a lot of people don't.

Back to clean eating; this refers to eating unprocessed and unrefined natural foods. Basically, I eat lots of natural unprocessed meats, veggies, fruits, and grains. Don't get me wrong, I'm human,and every now and again I pop a couple Oreos, and that's perfectly okay. Sometimes you just gotta get that chocolate satisfaction; ya know? ;) Oh, and WATER; drink lots of it. I usually drink a gallon a day. If you pee a trillion times, you're doing it right ;)

As for exercising, I like to switch it up. I'm the type of person who gets bored with too much consistency. I am a huge fan of the youtube channel Fitness Blender. They have literally thousands of workouts, short or long, tailored to whatever you need. I do however, keep some consistency with the type of exercises I do. I typically do cardio three times a week, have the dreaded leg day once a week, and also incorporate strength training in the other couple of days.

It's so important to remember that with losing weight and changing your lifestyle, comes with lots of hard work and perseverance.  Some important things to remember: NOTHING HAPPENS OVERNIGHT, it takes time and dedication, but every exercise you do, every calorie you burn, it all counts! Don't feel guilty about your cheat days or meals, you won't lose the weight overnight, and you most certainly won't gain it back overnight either. Remember, everyone is deiffernt so, do not compare yourself to others! You are strong and you CAN do this. There is nothing to it, but to do it!

Feel free to comment or email me (kfm996@gmail.com) with any questions or if you want further advice. I am not a professional, but I would be more than glad to help! Have a great day y'all!

Xoxo,
Faith

Confidence is Beautiful

Happy Monday everyone! I thought I'd keep this Monday simple and share some inspiration for the week.

Mondays are stressful and come with many tasks that may seem daunting to tackle throughout the week, but with positive thoughts in the back of your mind; you'll go far.   Sometimes,  as women,  we feel the need to conform to societal standards and expectations; and,  let's be honest... Most of the time,  those expectations are completely unrealistic.  This week I challenge all of you to be one hundred percent true to yourselves.  If that means stepping way out of your comfort zone,  do it.  Like the quote says above,  having confidence is beautiful.  If you are true to yourself and own who you are always,  your beauty will shine brighter than ever before.  So hold your heads high this Monday morning,  take a deep breath,  and embrace who you are completely and fully.  Confidence is beauty,  and YOU are beautiful!

Xoxo,
Faith

Friday Faves

Hey guys! It's Friday,  woohoo! I thought it would be fun for me to share some favorites I have been loving recently.  I think I'll do Friday favorites every other week,  that way there won't be too much repetition.  I've been obsessing over some new products lately; where have they been hiding all my life?!

(Pictured above:)  First Aide Beauty Repair Cream, Aven Thermal Spring Water,  The Righteous Butter Body Cream,  Lauren Conrad Studs

- First Aide Beauty Ultra Repair Cream: THIS; this is the answer to my prayers.  If you have dry skin,  try this!  It is so moisturizing,  but doesn't leave your skin feeling greasy at all.  It is silky and leaves my skin feeling super hydrated!

-Avene Thermal Spring Water: This product was something new to me,  but once I tried it,  I was absolutely hooked!  Basically,  it's just a refreshing mist that you spray gently on your face.  It can be used with or without makeup already on your face. It leaves your skin feeling very fresh and awake; almost like you just got done applying your makeup for the day.  Basically,  a skin 'pick me up.'

-The Righteous Butter Body Cream: this is the yummiest smellig body cream I've ever used.  It's thick and rich,  which is a win win for people with dry skin; and it is not greasy.

-Lauren Conrad Studs: If you know me,  you know that I LOVE studs.  I like dangly ear rings okay,  but a good pair of studs will win me over.  I have long thick hair,  so studs are perfect because they stay out of my way  but still add some bling to any outfit.  Plus,  I love the Lauren Conrad line,  which can be found at kohl's.

I would love to see what you guys have been loving recently!  Leave me a comment sharing some of your favorites recently,  or post a picture on instagram using the hashtag #fridayfavorites. I'll be sure to like and comment!

Xoxo,
Faith

Encouragement Through God's Word

This morning as I was reading my devotion and corresponding Bible verses for the day,  I realized  just how much encouragement can be found in God's word.  Life knocks you around,  beats  you up,  stresses you out,  wears you out,  and so much more; but,  the amount of comfort God can give you is so indescribable.  So,  this morning,  and for today's post, I wanted to share some of my favorite encouraging Bible verses.  Just remember,  when life gets tough,  God is sitting right beside you,  holding your hand through everything.

Isaiah 40:31

'...but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.  They will soar like wings on Eagles,  they will run and not grow faint... '

Isiah 40:10

'So do not fear for I am with you,  do not be dismayed for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous hand.'


Psalm 55:22

'Cast you cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. '

Deuteronomy 31:8


' It is the LORD who goes before you; he will be with you,  he will not fail you or forsake you.  Do not fear,  or be dismayed. '

-Have a great day everyone,  and remember; when you need some encouragement.... God's word is packed full of it.  God will never forsake you,  and in your time of need,  he is always,  always holding your hand.  Have a great day guys!
 

Stop, and RELAX- Take the Time to Make Time

Hey everyone!  I know it's Tuesday and I was supposed to have up a new post yesterday,  but I had some technical difficulties with my blog and had to sort that all out.  Anyways,  I've figured it out so Mondays post will go up today and the rest of the week's posts will follow.  

We all have those days; those days when you find yourself running around in circles,  and you're getting no where; those frustrating days when you feel it's seemingly impossible to get anything accomplished.  I have been able to actually take the time and relax today,  and realized just how important relaxation is for your sanity.  Not only does relaxing help your mind and body 'chill out,'  but it also is great for healthy skin,  and for your overall beauty.  Rest is truly the key to having a healthy body in general.

Life can be so hectic at times,  and it might seem like you are never going to catch a break,  but; take the time to make time.  Make it a priority to take time out of each day,  find a quiet spot and let your body rest.  Trust me,  you won't regret it.

Xoxo,
Faith

Blog Schedule!

Hey guys!  I mentioned a couple posts back that I was in the process of trying to come up with a set schedule for posting.  I have been a busy,  busy bee with moving the last few days,  which is why I posted on Tuesday instead of Wednesday.  I have decided that I will be posting three times a week on Monday,  Wednesday,  and Friday starting NEXT WEEK.  If  you guys have any suggestions or requests you'd like to see please leave them in a comment down below!  I hope you all have a wonderful rest of your weekend; I'll talk to yall again Monday!  Have a great day!

Xoxo,  Faith