It's been two months since I've published a post. So much for that new year resolution to be a better blogger.. Anyways, I'm back! I hate that I've been slacking, but what I have learned is that we have to forgive ourselves sometimes. It's okay to not be a super human every once in awhile. However, truth be told I feel like I need to stop making excuses as to why I've been so MIA. In January, I got a new laptop that's lightning fast, which should inspire me to write and create more content. Throughout my whole journey of blogging I've always lacked consistency when it comes to posting. So this is my new goal- consistency. In my time off, I've had the opportunity to reflect on what I can do to achieve this goal. I've decided to begin my posting simply once per week. With everything that I'm balancing right now, I feel like this goal makes blogging less overwhelming and keeps me writing posts for you all. If I publish more than that, then it's just a bonus!
Grab some coffee and let's chat! Today I'm sharing some life updates and some of my current favorites. These types of posts are always one of my top to read and write. I love reading them because I always discover new music, food, tips and tricks, a book to read, a fun fact about a blogger I love, etc. Writing these posts are always fund because it requires me to do a little self check in and reflection. Plus, I love getting feedback from YOU! The comments and questions I get are always the best. I mean who doesn't love an interactive post?
Grab some coffee and let's chat! Today I'm sharing some life updates and some of my current favorites. These types of posts are always one of my top to read and write. I love reading them because I always discover new music, food, tips and tricks, a book to read, a fun fact about a blogger I love, etc. Writing these posts are always fund because it requires me to do a little self check in and reflection. Plus, I love getting feedback from YOU! The comments and questions I get are always the best. I mean who doesn't love an interactive post?
Life Updates
Grad School
Hello, the nerd is back and ready to learn. Anyone else just love to learn? I started earning my second degree in January. Back in November I decided I was ready to add something else to the mix of life. I applied to a Masters of Literacy program where I completed my undergraduate studies. The school is well known for education and half way between work and home, so it was pretty much a no brainer for me to take classes there. I am currently taking two classes. Initially it felt like so much reading and writing. I thought I would never be able to stay current with school, teaching, working out, and maintaining a social life. However, I've been able to manage everything pretty well. I am now in the flow of things, and I couldn't imagine not taking classes. It's been fun meeting new people, taking what I'm learning and applying it to my classroom, and gaining new knowledge.
Teaching
This week is our Spring Break. With all the snow days, it feels a little odd to be off school again. The month of March has been so choppy between getting the flu, snow days, and all of the other interruptions we have had. When we return, it will be the last week in the third quarter. I cannot believe how fast the year has gone by. It's exciting because I am so close to completing my first full year of teaching.. I'd say that in itself is a big milestone.
Wedding Planning
If you have been reading for awhile, then you know that Todd and I got engaged this past November. The wedding planning is definitely in full swing. I'll have a more detailed update in a post to come (Think: Wedding Wednesday). So far we have our date, wedding venue, and photographer. This week I'm working to firm up a few more details. Overall, the process has been a lot of fun!
Fitness
The new year has been good for me. I've managed to workout 2-4 times each week. I have branched out and started trying some new classes at the gym. My newest favorite has been Body Pump. It's a high energy class that uses barbells. Think exercises like squats, presses, lifts, curls, lunges, and 10 minutes of core work. It's a great full body workout. I've also been enjoying some shorter runs and cycle classes. I'm looking to incorporate more stretching into my weekly roundup. A few years back I did some yoga at home thanks to Yoga by Adriene. I'm thinking of doing her TRUE 30 Day Challenge. I'm looking for an accountability partner if anyone is interested in doing it with me let me know!
Shopping
With a lot of big expenses to save for (best friend's wedding festivities, wedding, house, paying for grad school, etc.), I've cut back my spending habits significantly. I have not done any actual shopping in quite a bit. I think it helps that we are almost in between seasons, so the clothes out in the stores are not appropriate to wear now. Let's be real, we just got nine inches of snow last week and the stores are stocked with shorts and tanks. I have done some online shopping, but I haven't actually bought anything. My shopping cart is full and ready to check out, but I just have not committed to anything yet.
Some items on my current wish list:
lattice back shirt//blush raincoat//spin shoes//Lilly one piece,//blush slip ons//monogram luggage
Watching
To be honest, every time I sit down to watch tv I fall asleep. I record a bunch of shows and every once in awhile I will do some binge watching to catch up on them. Currently on my DVR: Gray's Anatomy, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Vanderump, and The Summer House. For the first time in awhile, I actually am not currently viewing any series on Netflix.
Listening
My newest obsession has been Bishop Briggs. I just love her voice. Her music is great to have in the background while I'm grading, working on grad school work, cleaning, cooking, or driving.
As far as podcasts go, I'm now collecting recommendations for something new. I went through the whole Millennial series. I loved season one, but season two just didn't do anything for me.
Wearing
Layers on layers. The weather has been pretty chilly here lately. My outfits have consisted of some combination of dresses, leggings, boots, over sized sweaters, capes, and blanket scarves.
Eating
I've been in a bit of a slump when it comes to cooking. On a good week, I usually meal prep on Sundays. Lately, life has been filled with busy weekends and hectic week nights. I'm still trying to eat healthy despite the obstacles of life. Some of my favorite recipes have been coming from Skinny Taste.
Drinking
This month I have discovered my new favorite beverage- fresh squeezed grapefruit juice. It's a little high in sugar content, but it's all natural. Plus, the immense health benefits outweigh everything else. I started drinking it each morning to jump start my day. I buy it at Wegman's. One bottle usually lasts me through the week. It's so bitter, so I usually only drink 6-8 ounces at a time.
Even though I've been so MIA, my instagram has still been updated. Check out what else I've been up to lately my following me: @Shorelifeof_m
Leave a comment with your current favorites: listening to, eating, drinking, wearing, shopping etc. I always love to hear what y'all have to say!
XOXO
Hello, the nerd is back and ready to learn. Anyone else just love to learn? I started earning my second degree in January. Back in November I decided I was ready to add something else to the mix of life. I applied to a Masters of Literacy program where I completed my undergraduate studies. The school is well known for education and half way between work and home, so it was pretty much a no brainer for me to take classes there. I am currently taking two classes. Initially it felt like so much reading and writing. I thought I would never be able to stay current with school, teaching, working out, and maintaining a social life. However, I've been able to manage everything pretty well. I am now in the flow of things, and I couldn't imagine not taking classes. It's been fun meeting new people, taking what I'm learning and applying it to my classroom, and gaining new knowledge.
Teaching
This week is our Spring Break. With all the snow days, it feels a little odd to be off school again. The month of March has been so choppy between getting the flu, snow days, and all of the other interruptions we have had. When we return, it will be the last week in the third quarter. I cannot believe how fast the year has gone by. It's exciting because I am so close to completing my first full year of teaching.. I'd say that in itself is a big milestone.
Wedding Planning
If you have been reading for awhile, then you know that Todd and I got engaged this past November. The wedding planning is definitely in full swing. I'll have a more detailed update in a post to come (Think: Wedding Wednesday). So far we have our date, wedding venue, and photographer. This week I'm working to firm up a few more details. Overall, the process has been a lot of fun!
Fitness
The new year has been good for me. I've managed to workout 2-4 times each week. I have branched out and started trying some new classes at the gym. My newest favorite has been Body Pump. It's a high energy class that uses barbells. Think exercises like squats, presses, lifts, curls, lunges, and 10 minutes of core work. It's a great full body workout. I've also been enjoying some shorter runs and cycle classes. I'm looking to incorporate more stretching into my weekly roundup. A few years back I did some yoga at home thanks to Yoga by Adriene. I'm thinking of doing her TRUE 30 Day Challenge. I'm looking for an accountability partner if anyone is interested in doing it with me let me know!
Shopping
With a lot of big expenses to save for (best friend's wedding festivities, wedding, house, paying for grad school, etc.), I've cut back my spending habits significantly. I have not done any actual shopping in quite a bit. I think it helps that we are almost in between seasons, so the clothes out in the stores are not appropriate to wear now. Let's be real, we just got nine inches of snow last week and the stores are stocked with shorts and tanks. I have done some online shopping, but I haven't actually bought anything. My shopping cart is full and ready to check out, but I just have not committed to anything yet.
Some items on my current wish list:
lattice back shirt//blush raincoat//spin shoes//Lilly one piece,//blush slip ons//monogram luggage
Watching
To be honest, every time I sit down to watch tv I fall asleep. I record a bunch of shows and every once in awhile I will do some binge watching to catch up on them. Currently on my DVR: Gray's Anatomy, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Vanderump, and The Summer House. For the first time in awhile, I actually am not currently viewing any series on Netflix.
Listening
My newest obsession has been Bishop Briggs. I just love her voice. Her music is great to have in the background while I'm grading, working on grad school work, cleaning, cooking, or driving.
As far as podcasts go, I'm now collecting recommendations for something new. I went through the whole Millennial series. I loved season one, but season two just didn't do anything for me.
Wearing
Layers on layers. The weather has been pretty chilly here lately. My outfits have consisted of some combination of dresses, leggings, boots, over sized sweaters, capes, and blanket scarves.
Eating
I've been in a bit of a slump when it comes to cooking. On a good week, I usually meal prep on Sundays. Lately, life has been filled with busy weekends and hectic week nights. I'm still trying to eat healthy despite the obstacles of life. Some of my favorite recipes have been coming from Skinny Taste.
Breakfast: easy bagels//omelet muffins
Lunch: Asparagus Salad// Chickpea Tuna Salad
This month I have discovered my new favorite beverage- fresh squeezed grapefruit juice. It's a little high in sugar content, but it's all natural. Plus, the immense health benefits outweigh everything else. I started drinking it each morning to jump start my day. I buy it at Wegman's. One bottle usually lasts me through the week. It's so bitter, so I usually only drink 6-8 ounces at a time.
Even though I've been so MIA, my instagram has still been updated. Check out what else I've been up to lately my following me: @Shorelifeof_m
Leave a comment with your current favorites: listening to, eating, drinking, wearing, shopping etc. I always love to hear what y'all have to say!
XOXO
